BOISE, Idaho — Hundreds of people gathered at the Idaho State Capitol Saturday for the annual Idaho Women’s March, drawing both supporters of the rally’s mission and people who opposed it.
WATCH: Hundreds gather at the Idaho Capitol for annual Women's March
The Women of Idaho organization helped organize this year’s march, bringing participants from across the state to the Capitol steps. Organizers said the event was intended to raise awareness about concerns related to laws, policies, and rhetoric from some local and state leaders, as well as the current presidential administration.
“I think that this president treats women as things. We [women] are not less than. We are going to stand up and speak up,” said Betty, with Idaho Women Forward.
Others described the march as a platform for voices they say are often underrepresented in Idaho.
This year’s theme was “Feminist Power is People’s Power.”
"We’re trying to highlight the fact that when we empower women, we empower our society as a whole,” said Abigail Wallace, a student who spoke at the event..
Organizers said abortion and health care rights were a major focus of the rally, including efforts to raise awareness about a ballot initiative aimed at reinstating abortion as health care in Idaho. LGBTQ+ rights and education were also highlighted during the event.
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While the march was underway, people who opposed the rally gathered nearby to share their perspectives. Some said they support Idaho’s restrictive abortion laws.
“We’re also here to advocate for the women who have been aborted throughout the country,” said DJ Parham, with the White Rose Resistance. “So if we’re here to march for women and advocate for women’s rights — that’s why we’re here.”
Others say they attended the event to observe and engage in conversation.
“I just don’t know that there’s so many medical emergencies that warrants abortion to be completely open,” said Charles Stevenson of Kuna. "I think they should pay men more. Men should be leaders, followers. I think they should be the providers. Women should have the freedom to stay at home and raise children. They should also have the freedom to go to work if they so choose to."
Supporters of the march said they hope the event helps influence policy discussions during Idaho’s current legislative session, particularly on issues affecting women and the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
“There’s so much that women contribute to our society and ought to be treated with equality across the board,” Betty said.
Idaho News 6 will continue covering developments from the legislative session throughout the year.
