Women’s March in New Bedford scheduled for October 17

Several local organizations, including the Women’s Fund of Southeastern MA and the YWCA Southeastern MA, would like to invite the SouthCoast community to the #EnduringChange Women’s March, a nonpartisan event, on Saturday, October 17 at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.

Marches in the name of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have been organized in cities throughout the country on that day. The name for the New Bedford march was chosen based on a quote by Ginsburg, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

With a global pandemic and a divisive political climate, hope has been frail. #EnduringChange serves as a beacon of hope and courage, reminding all that women have been at the forefront of the fight for equality for centuries and have never given in or given up. Participants are urged to use their collective voice and strength to help ensure enduring change. 

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an independent woman who learned and grew along the way to become the icon we celebrate today,” stated Joanne Murray, the executive director of the Women’s Fund. “On October 17th, marchers can choose to stand for her by committing to the values she embodied and continue her fight for enduring, systemic change.”

All are invited to attend the march and everyone will also have the opportunity to register to vote on-site.

In addition, this event will feature a keynote speaker, former New Bedford Ward 5 City Councilor Jane Gonsalves who is the first woman of Portuguese descent to become a New Bedford City Council President. Today, Gonsalves serves as board president for the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts. Whenever she is able, she shares the wisdom she gathered throughout her political career with young girls and women, encouraging them to become more involved in their communities.

“With a fast-approaching election and the social movements currently taking place nationally, the divisions in our country and community have become more pronounced,” said Gail Fortes, executive director of the YWCA. “This nonpartisan event won’t seek to highlight these differences, but rather invites everyone to come together to remember Ruth Bader Ginsberg respectfully and to continue her work in seeking justice and equality for all.” 

Fortes added, “As Ginsburg herself so aptly stated, ‘Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.’”

Registration is not required, but those who choose to register here will receive regular updates about the march. Those marching should gather at the Buttonwood Park Warming House (Senior Center) at 1 Oneida Street at 2 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear black or white and all will be required to wear masks, social distance, and respect others. A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at the same location.

Please email ec.southcoast@gmail.com with any questions.