By Cheryl Mattox Berry
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s unexpected victory at the polls on Nov. 8 has galvanized women across the USA.
On Friday night, about 15 women gathered at a Miami Shores, Fla., beauty salon after-hours to discuss what they can do to offset expected challenges to women’s reproductive rights and human rights; how to change the Electoral College system; and what can be done on a day-to-day basis to minimize the havoc Trump has threatened to unleash on the American people.
“It’s small steps,” said Robin, an attorney. “We can’t change the world tomorrow.”
This was the first meeting of the group, which included women of different races, religions and ages, including a high school senior who attended with her mother. In addition to the attorney, the group included educators, an architect, bank executive, graduate student and the salon owner.
Angry that women’s issues are under attack, the women concluded that they must change their strategy to be heard during Trump’s administration. Suggestions ranged from boycotting Trump businesses and companies that supported him to lobbying Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Toni, the salon owner, urged the women to attend the Women’s March on Washington, which will be held Jan. 21, the day after Trump’s inauguration. She’s attending the event with a group friends.
I was surprised that a group of South Florida women, who jokingly claim their blood is too thin for cold weather, would go to D.C. in the dead of winter. They will hold a rally at the Lincoln Memorial and march to the White House.
“I’m pissed,” Toni said earlier in the day in reference to the outcome of the presidential election.
She said Trump and Republicans need to know that women won’t stand by and let them overturn the things that are so important to us. “We’re telling them, ‘Hey, we’re not going anywhere,’ ” Toni said.