If you’re participating in the Women’s March on Washington in D.C., you likely have a lot of questions about the logistics. While there is no way to predict exactly what will happen during any large gathering of people—and the march is expected to have at least 200,000 participants—march organizers and ally communities have put together a lot of accessible resources online that make the event a little clearer.
Here are some of the most common questions participants tend to have, and remember, additional information can be found directly at the Women’s March site or on its app.
What is the mission behind the march?
While people participate in marches for their own reasons, the Women’s March has a special emphasis on protecting the voices of women and marginalized groups. They feel this has a special urgency given the anti-women, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric during and since the recent presidential election.
As organizers put it in their mission statement: “The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.”
Where do I go and at what time?
The march and rally begin at the intersection of Independence Ave. and Third Street SW, near the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 21. The rally, including a program of speakers and performers (see below), will begin at 10am; the march itself will begin at 1:15pm.
Who organized the march? Who are the sponsors?
The national co-chairs fo the march include Tamika D. Mallory, a social justice activist who worked with the Obama administration; Carmen Perez, director of the civil rights nonprofit Gathering for Justice; Linda Sarsour, the executive director of the Arab American Association of New York; and Bob Bland, CEO and founder of Manufacture New York.
Major sponsors of the march include Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Emily’s List, the ACLU, the Human Rights Campaign, the Ameican Federation for Teachers, MoveOn.org, and 1199 SEIU.
Local and grassroots organizers have also planned marches all over the country if you can’t make to D.C.
Who is speaking or performing at the march?
More than 40 activists, officials, and artists will speak at the rally. Some of the most popular faces include Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, Janet Mock, and Michael Moore, as well as Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Janelle Monáe and Maxwell will also perform. You can read the full list of speakers and performers here.
Celebrities will also gather at an Artists Table, including Cher, Jill Soloway, Ilana Glazer, Connie Britton, Robert DeNiro, and Katy Perry, among others.
Where can I find a restroom?
There will be port-a-potties along the march route, though if you’re worried about those being too crowded there is a full map and list of welcome stations march participants can use.
Where can I breastfeed or pump milk?
According to the FAQ on the Women’s March site, there will be lactation stations available along the march route for people who need to breastfeed or pump milk. There is also a really handy resource, thanks to BreastfeedingCenter.org, that shows all the local places which have designed lactation centers, as well as establishments with family restrooms.
Where can I get some refuge from the crowds?
There are tons of deals on foods and drinks around D.C. over inauguration weekend, including during the march. If you want to stay right by the march itself, there is an extensive resource guide of meet-up spots on this map, many of which also provide food, coffee, and restrooms.
Also, if you need a break from the march entirely, or need a way to debrief when it’s over, all of the Smithsonians are free! The National Museum of Women in the Arts is also free this weekend.
Just remember to stay safe out there.
