What I Got, at Age 13, From the Women's March on Washington

Amanda Weissman of Pacifica wrote blogs for KQED about her Inauguration 2017 experience at the Women's March on Washington and tweeted about it, too, from her mom’s account.

Returning home to the Bay Area from the Women's March on Washington has left me in awe. After seeing such beautiful art, powerful women and inspiring signs, I'm still a little shocked at the fact I was actually there. And, because of the march we had in the United States, people from all over the world marched, too: People in Bueno Aires, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Rome (and many more places) participated in the historic event by marching in their own cities!

One of the posters I was most struck by was a computerized drawing of a Muslim woman wearing the U.S. flag as a hijab. The colors of her skin were a blue-gray hue. Her face was angular, eyes staring straight ahead, her eyebrows posed in defiance and her lips tinted red. She was beautiful because of her strength and confidence. She had your attention immediately.

The sign floated in a sea of pink hats that covered Washington, D.C., for the Women's March on Washington. People of all different races, cultures and backgrounds showed up to participate in this historic event.

The women surrounding me were kind, independent and also very happy to be there. We cheered, chanted and celebrated the event. I definitely had a blast expressing my opinions and emotions. And I saw women and men of all different ages there!

Despite all the enthusiasm, many people still speak and act disrespectfully toward women. If anyone doesn't feel as if they're being treated equally, expect resistance, especially in a country like ours where freedom of speech is a fundamental right. Don't let your boys grow up thinking they're allowed to make negative comments about a woman's body. Remember to teach your daughters that their bodies are temples built in tribute to no one but themselves.

For all the women and girls who couldn't march for whatever reason, I hope you still feel inspired. I hope watching all those people march will encourage you to go out to rally and protest. Even if you can't do that, I want you to know that you can participate by being strong within your own families, your own homes and your own hearts. Remember, if a 13-year-old can do it, you can, too.

I've never been more inspired, so proud to be who I am, and glad that I'm a part of the women who have left an impact on our country. Memories of this march will be a part of me for the rest of my life and I will never, ever forget this historic movement.