The 2024 Olympia Women’s March, held on Saturday, November 2, started at the Legislative Building and ended at Heritage Park.
Nearly 1,000 people joined the peaceful march and no counter-protest was spotted.
Former Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby introduced the five speakers: Erin Jones, Jacie Hoag, Reiko Callner, and Washington State Representatives Jessica Bateman and Beth Doglio.
“Olympia area women and allies heeded the call to action and showed up in an impressive show of support for women’s health care and the right to bodily autonomy. The speakers shared in powerful terms what’s at stake in this year’s election,” Selby told The JOLT.
Selby continued, “the Women’s March gave many people a chance to be part of a movement that’s dedicated to getting out the vote on 11/5. It gave people an opportunity to turn anxiety into action.”
Natalie Coblentz, of the nonprofit Capital City Pride, led the parade. Capital City Pride was the local sponsor of the event.
"This march is not just a rally—it's a call to action. Join us to march for women's equality, empowerment, and liberation. Bring your signs and voices and join us as we march in solidarity. This event is all-inclusive and a place where every voice advocating for justice is welcome," the event's press release stated.
The march was joined by allies, advocates and many women of many backgrounds with a goal of being a “movement for equality, freedom, and the rights of all women."
Selby provided background information on three of the speakers:
Erin Jones has worked in and around schools in different capacities for over 30 years. She has worked and done consultation for non-profits, government agencies and businesses. She has worked and lived in 5 states, from the East Coast to the Midwest to the West Coast, in communities that were predominantly White communities to communities that were predominantly Black communities to those that boasted dozens of languages and cultures. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her work in education and equity. She has also received recognition as an athlete and was invited to try out for two WNBA teams. After 20 years of playing soccer and 35 years of playing basketball, Erin now runs long distances and is devoted to regular Orange Theory workouts. Erin and her husband, James, have been married for almost 30 years and have three adult children - two who work in education and one who designs
Reiko Callner is a pro-civil rights, anti-hate activist, attorney, multi-racial feminist who’s lived in Olympia since 1985. She’s also lived in Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington DC, Hawaii, Ohio, and overseas. Reiko has worked professionally with people in the judicial branch of government nationwide and in 37 other countries. She is also a Zumba instructor, but let’s get to her comments.
Jacie Hoag is a Tlingit (pronounced Klinkit) Tribal trans woman who has lived in Olympia for eight years and moved here from Shelton, WA where she was born and raised. She produces drag and burlesque shows at multiple venues in the city, and has worked closely with non-profits like Capital City Pride, Stonewall Youth, and Pizza Klatch, all benefiting the queer community and queer youth. Her philanthropic work through performance art led her to join the City of Olympia’s Arts Commission three years ago, and now currently serves at the Vice-Chair of the City’s Arts Commission. She’s a student at The Evergreen State College, finishing up her Bachelors degree with a focus in business management. She uses activism and performance art to make the community a safer place for queer and trans individuals. Her work as a producer has put thousands on dollars into the hands of local performance artists and back into the community.
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Honestyandrealityguy
After 8 decades, I have experienced many issues, both good and bad. All people should be equal. I was raised with just sisters and married a woman with just sisters.
I also initiated the very first woman in what used to be male service clubs in this country. I also chaired a popular scholarship pageant for young women for 3 years.
Now, I wonder why women can close their doors to men, but not visa versa?
Why do women get a majority of scholarships as we are losing the population of such occupations as: doctors, attorneys, engineers, accountants, builders, and more? Men can use financial help too.
As to abortions, I believe in a woman's right. However, counseling up front is important. I know a few women who have had abortions that now regret it for different reasons.
Is it time to get back to normalcy?
So much has changed over those 8 decades. I do not believe any normal person is surprised to see a woman in any role. Just hope we haven't passed over more qualified and hard working people. If you work hard to be to best, you should not be penalized no matter who you are.
Tuesday, November 5 Report this
KellyOReilly
I'm grateful to the ladies who organized this march and to the JOLT! If I hadn't been a reader of the JOLT, I would not known that this march was scheduled last Saturday. I had been craving a march and then read it about one in the JOLT last week! On Saturday, I got there at 9:05am and was a little worried that no one else was there aside from the crew setting up the sound system. But slowly, people began to show up and I'm grateful I was able to hear the speakers and participate in this march. I and those around me also appreciated the service of the Capital Police and OPD officers that morning--we felt safe with them there. My prayer is that peace will prevail today, and in the coming weeks and months. I've been thinking of that feeling of unity we all experienced in this country after 9/11/21. Sadly, that feeling of unity didn't last long--I wish we could get that feeling back--sans a disaster. Peace to all.
Tuesday, November 5 Report this
KarenM
Thanks to the JOLT for covering this. There was a positive feeling of community at the march.
Tuesday, November 5 Report this
OlympiaAqua
Honestyandrealityguy: I am not clear on how women marching for their rights closes the door on men? I see quite a few men marching alongside these women.
Also, not sure where you are getting your stats on education, but even so, the actual dollar amounts by gender are nearly equal. Despite the fact that women were more likely than men to receive grants, on average women received lower amounts. The average grant given to women was $8,900 compared to $9,700 for men. The average loan amounts were nearly equal for men and women students. And even though women may receive more, it is less than a 10% difference. (https://www.wiareport.com/2023/08/gender-differences-in-financial-aid-awards/)
And although we may not be "surprised" to see women in any role, the average American woman has a net worth of less than half of the average net worth of a man and women still earn only about 83% of what men do. And only about 30% of high level positions are held by women (Representatives, Senate, VP, CEO, etc.). So there is still some work to do on gender equality (and we wont even get into disparities around race, LGBTQA+, etc.).
Just wanted to clarify those facts.
Tuesday, November 5 Report this
Southsoundguy
Let's be real, they were marching primarily to protect their ability to kill babies in utero, thus escaping the consequences of their decisions, while pursuing a materialistic and ultimately deeply unfulfilling life, which they have been gaslit into believing is ideal for them.
Wednesday, November 6 Report this
ViaLocal
Equating a fulfilling life with having children is a bunch of bull.
Tuesday, November 12 Report this