Community engagement and women’s equality take center stage on International Women’s Day with a March for Equality planned at Cole Park in Corpus Christi.

Organizer Ellison Rhea with Progressives of the Coastal Bend was inspired to get involved in the moment due to hostile political movements toward women and other minority groups. Rhea shared that many do not feel safe and feel invisible and the march will send a message that “We are here, and we are strong.”

“Equality helps everybody,” explained Rhea.

The march begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the north end of Cole Park and continues along Ocean Drive for half a mile, finishing at the Wind Dancer statue. There will be music as attendees finish the march and speakers from registered organizations.

The march will also have shuttle buses available to take attendees back to the starting point of the march. The entire community is welcome and encouraged to attend and the event will be handicap accessible.

When asked about pressing issues related to equality, Ellison emphasized the need to address key concerns such as healthcare, Roe v. Wade, trans rights, reproductive rights, and the harmful assumption that women are incapable of being effective leaders.

She hopes this March for Equality is a starting point of community engagement and encourages others to “plug in” to ongoing equality issues.

More information on the march and other events can be found at https://www.meetup.com/coastalbendprogressives.