Planning on coming to the Women's March on London this Saturday? Check out this 8 point guide
It probably hasn't escaped your attention that there is a pretty big global event happening this Saturday. No, not Donald Trump's first day as President, the International Women's March.
This is set to be the biggest worldwide protest ever with over 600 different street marches on cities across the globe. The aim is to promote unity, tolerance and equality in the face of the election of a man to the White House who openly incited racism, sexism and religious discrimination to get himself there.
So if you’re planning on joining us at the Women's March On London, here’s what you need to know.
Where is it?
The Women’s March kicks off from London's Grosvenor Square W1K at 12.30pm this Saturday 21st March. People will be assembling in the square from 12pm. The route goes via Park Lane, Piccadilly and Pall Mall to Trafalgar Square and is approximately 2 miles long. It finishes with a rally in Trafalgar Square from 2pm till 3.30pm.
What should I bring?
Travel light with minimal valubles and possessions and a small bag. Wear a warm coat or waterproof mac /poncho with a hood. Leave your umbrella at home. Its cumbersome in a crowd with placards. Ditto a large handbag. If you are going to be holding a sign, you will want gloves. Pack a bottle of water that will last you 3 hours, plus snacks to avoid having to stop along the route of the course. Check out the map on the official website here for public toilet points
Can I bring my boyfriend/kids?
Of course. The Women's March on London is an inclusive event for all who support equality. Marchers of all ages and sexes are welcome. There is a designated children's area beside the US Embassy in Grosvenor square where young marchers can get their face painted, do arts and crafts and catch bubbles.
Do I need a sign?
Not necessarily but you might want to consider making one with paper and bold lettering, backing it onto polly board if you have time. Homemade signs are the best, where you can convey your messages on both front and back of the sign, so that no matter where somebody is standing, they can see your message and probably identify with you. A line about why you're marching is a good starting point. At Marie Claire, we'll be marching under the banner #HANDSOFFOURRIGHTS - a message to the governments around the world who are currently attempting to restrict the hard won rights women fought for over the past century.
Get phone back-up
With so many people in the area, you may struggle to get mobile phone reception, so do ensure you have a set meeting place with colleagues/friends in case you lose anyone. And if you have one, take a portable phone charger that doesn’t need to be plugged in.
Will I be safe?
Organisers are working closely with the police to ensure the highest level of safety on the day of the march. There will also be experienced stewards on hand. If you're going with a group, make a safety plan in case everybody's phone dies - a time and a place where you're going to meet half way or at the end. Avoid going alone. Find a group to join or friend to bring along. Join Marie Claire outside the Marriot Hotel Grosvenor Square at 12pm here.
How do I get there?
Once you've made it to London, taking the tube is easiest. Nearest stations below:
Bond Street: Central line (0.2 miles) Marble Arch: Central line (0.5 miles) Oxford Circus: Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines (0.6 miles) Green Park: Piccadilly, and Victoria lines (0.6 miles)
**PLEASE NOTE THE JUBILEE LINE IS NOT RUNNING. CHECK TFL FOR THE LATEST TRAFFIC UPDATES BEFORE YOU SET OFF**
I can't get to London, is there a march near me?
There are now 6 UK sister marches in Belfast, Cardiff, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Shipley and Edinburgh. Please check here for a list of all marches happening all over the world.
Check out our Facebook page for live streaming throughout the day #handsoffourrights
