I was fortunate to attend the Women’s March in Washington DC with my mother and sister in law, along with about 1 million of our closest friends.  I feel so fortunate to not only participate in this historic event, but also document it to share with my family, nieces and nephews, and you.  With the recent election of a divisive president, it was a call-to-action for women all around the country and all around the world.  Marches took place in over 600 locations worldwide, in support of women’s rights with celebrity speakers such as Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore, Van Jones and Alicia Keys.  It was a lovefest and call-to-action which has ignited men, women, boys and girls.  I’ve never participated in any type of march or protest, and it was inspirational beyond my wildest imagination. Here you can watch a video I put together of my experience at the event, and below, read my mission and reason for marching. Today I participate, with my Mom and Sister-in-law by my side, in the Women’s March on Washington. I do so on behalf of you. Yes, you; woman or man, girl or boy. I march for those regardless of religion, sexual orientation, education level, country of residence or citizenship, or economic level. I march and raise my voice to make this world a better place. A rising tide raises all ships, and when women are empowered to their fullest extent, given equal opportunity for equal pay and education, we all do better. There is a ripple effect where women look for ways that benefit the community as a whole, not just for their own personal gain. When women are educated, empowered and have opportunity, their household income goes up, they and their children are less likely to suffer health issues, children are more well-adjusted, they make healthier food choices, make better health choices, including opting for prenatal care which results in decreasing infant mortality and the list goes on. Any young boy growing up with a female sibling or close relative knows, these girls are just as smart as they are. Yet there is a world-wide movement through selling girls to become child brides, sex trafficking, lack of education, and overall suppression of women and girls’ rights in an effort to keep them from reaching their full potential. How much sense does it make to discount 50% of the population’s resources? These brilliant minds and compassionate beings held in female bodies, are instead being thrown, sometimes literally, by the roadside out of ego, power and a want of control. You are not and will not be threatened with the presence or education of women and girls. You will be raised up, along with everyone else. To you, woman, man, girl or boy. Today I march for you and your rights to make this a better world. Sincerely, Yasmin Tajik