Women will march for reproductive rights, equality

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HEART OF ALENE – In response to the recent abortion ruling in Texas, a group of women in Kootenai County will march for women’s reproductive freedom.

The Kootenai County Women’s March begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Riverstone Village in Coeur d’Alene.

Emily Walton, Melinda Cadwallader and Dr Coralyn Alexander will speak.

Starting at noon, participants will walk from Riverstone on Northwest Boulevard to Sherman Avenue.

The event gives women the opportunity to come together openly and voice their concerns while standing up for equality and women’s rights.

“This area tends to lean very far to the right,” said Laura Tenneson, the event coordinator. “People who are on the left side can feel very lonely. ”

About 20 women, men and children gathered on Saturday at The Hive, a creative and women-centered co-working space to make signs for the walk.

Walton will speak about the oppression she suffered while living under the John Birch Society and her political influence on politics in Idaho.

Cadwallader, owner of The Hive, will address women’s accountability in open discussions on women’s rights and issues.

Cadwallader said that growing up she was often discouraged from discussing the issues women face. She wants to set a healthy example for her own children and other women.

“It’s leadership,” Cadwallader said. “For our children, our daughters, our sisters, they must ensure that you take a stand for the protection of women’s rights. As a wife and mother who loves my children, I also like to have rights over my own body.

Long-time child and adolescent psychiatrist and activist and advocate, Dr. Coralyn Alexander, will discuss the importance of the right to abortion for victims of sexual assault, as well as the facts about sexual assault and domestic violence in our community.

“It’s a very common event in our culture, and access to abortion after rape is essential for women’s health,” Alexander said. “We finally come out of the shadows and talk about it.”

Alexander said pregnancy following assault is much more common than most realize. Alexander works with victims of assault. She said pregnancy is often used by abusers to keep women trapped in the abusive relationship.

“The right to abortion is essential,” she said. “Politics and religion don’t matter. I’ve been taught as a doctor to put your opinions aside and do what’s best for your patients.

Alexander will also discuss the mental health consequences of removing access to abortion for those who need it.

After Donald Trump was elected president, the Women’s March began in 2016 to protest the way Trump spoke and behaved towards women, Tenneson said.

Last year’s march was the first in Kootenai County. With a zero dollar budget and two weeks of planning, over 400 people showed up.

“It was very inspiring for everyone,” Tenneson said. “It was great to be surrounded by so many like-minded women in such a red zone.”

Tamara Sines-Kermelis, originally from Idaho, brought her two young daughters to Saturday’s sign making event. The trio took part in the walk last year and said it went really well.

“Living here feels good to be a part of something that is not typical,” said Sines-Kermelis. “Lots of local things, it’s really hard to be a part of it.”

Vickie Locken, a “peacekeeper” for the march, said that aside from a few rowdies, last year’s event was peaceful and safe for everyone involved.

Masks will be compulsory for all participants and anyone wishing to parade will only have to introduce themselves.

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