Seattle, USA. Photo: Rachael LeClear Seattle, USA. Photo: Rachael LeClear

5 million people. 670 protests. 75 countries. The Women’s March was the biggest global protest event since the 2003 protests against the Iraq War.

Trump’s first day of presidency was marked with several million people taking to the streets in over 75 countries around the world. Over 670 women-led protests took place opposing Trump’s politics of hate and division.

As well as calling out Trump’s blatant sexism and attacks on women, protesters also marched against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and homophobia. There were chants of Black Lives Matter, solidarity with Palestine and a focus on climate change. Protesters in the UK called for an end to the “special relationship” with the US and opposed militarism, war and nuclear weapons.

The Women’s March on Washington Facebook page put up this status: 

Below are pictures from some of the marches around the world.

London, UK

In London, 100,000 people shut down Central London with a massive march from the US Embassy to Trafalgar Square. The atmosphere was energetic, inspiring and brimming with recognition of a truly spectacular feat of international solidarity. Plus, the many examples of Trump’s idiocy provided plenty of material for creative and hilarious placards. 

london womens march

london protest

london protest

John Rees on Facebook: 

Manchester, UK

manchester protest

360 Photo by Clare Solomon on Facebook: 

Belfast, UK

belfast protest

Wasington D.C, USA

An estimated 500,000 people attended the march in Washington. Among the people at the march was Senator Bernie Sanders who tweeted:

President Trump, you made a big mistake. By trying to divide us up by race, religion, gender and nationality you actually brought us closer.

This is not a time for despair, but rather a time for action. We are standing up and fighting back. #WomensMarch

washington protest

washington protest

washington protest

New York City, USA

The massive march in New York City ended with a rally outside Trump Tower and left Manhattan gridlocked for hours.

New York protest

New York Protest

Seattle, USA

Over 175,000 people marched in Seattle. The total number of people marching in the US is estimated at just under 3 million people, making it the largest nationwide protest in America’s history.

Seattle protest

Seattle protest

Even Batgirl made an appearance:

Seattle protest

Los Angeles, USA

Up to 750,000 people marched in Los Angeles

Los Angeles protest

Los Angeles protest

Toronto, Canada

Around 50,000 people came out in Toronto for the Women’s March

Toronto protest

Toronto protest

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi protest

Nairobi protest

This is just the beginning

The awe-inspiring demonstrations marking the inauguration of Trump is a historical event and a testament to the power of a people united. But this is far from the end. On Saturday we marched in our millions, and now we must continue to organise. Women, ethnic minorities and marginalised groups must continue to lead our movement as we build a mass coalition that fights for a fairer, more equal world for all.

Shabbir Lakha

Shabbir Lakha is a Stop the War officer, a People's Assembly activist and a member of Counterfire.