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Ridgefield Professor Finds Strength In Sisterhood At Women's March In D.C.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- Ridgefield resident Darla Shaw, a professor of education at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, said she felt a strong connection to her "sisters" at the Women's March on Washington on Saturday.

From left, Founder's Hall band member Carole Long with professor Darla Shaw of Ridgefield at the Women's March on Washington.

From left, Founder's Hall band member Carole Long with professor Darla Shaw of Ridgefield at the Women's March on Washington.

Photo Credit: contributed
People hold posters at the Women's March on Washington in D.C. on Saturday.

People hold posters at the Women's March on Washington in D.C. on Saturday.

Photo Credit: contributed
People express their views with posters at the Women's March on Washington.

People express their views with posters at the Women's March on Washington.

Photo Credit: contributed
Some of the women who attended the Women's March on Washington in D.C. on Saturday.

Some of the women who attended the Women's March on Washington in D.C. on Saturday.

Photo Credit: contributed

"As a woman, mother, grandmother and professor of women’s studies, I was so proud to have taken part in the amazing aspect of sisterhood that I experienced on Jan. 21. 

"Not since 1913 has a group of women and women’s supporters marched in order to maintain and improve upon their rights," Shaw said.

Tens of thousands of people from across the country descended on the nation's capital to take part in the event, which had a goal of championing women’s rights, democracy and justice.

It was organized partially in response to the inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump. It was just one of hundreds of such marches held around the nation and the world. 

What surprised Shaw most about the march was the magnitude of the event, the spirit of camaraderie and positive energy, the variety of issues that people were standing behind and the magnanimous feeling of compassion for humanity. 

"If we could only all be friends the way we were on January 21, throughout the world, we would not be fighting the problems that we are now facing," Shaw said.

"As I reflect on the event, I find myself newly inspired to work even harder on issues that need be addressed," she said. "I am even more hopeful for the future as the passion, organization and insight are available."

Shaw said the march "that grew from a small kernel of an idea to a massive movement shows that the time is right to make drastic changes in the views of humanity."

As a woman in her late 70s, Shaw said she has experienced marches, but nothing of this scope. 

"I am most happy to say that due to my interest in marching for new beginnings, my daughter and her son also took part in such an event in Wisconsin. 

"We need to involve all generations and sexes in our quest and need the older women, like myself, to show (not only) how far we have come, but how far we still have to go."

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