Dozens demonstrate on Ashland Plaza for women’s rights

Demonstrators hold up signs at Saturday morning's rally on Ashland Plaza. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news
January 18, 2025

Group of nearly all women express concerns, hopes for future

By Debora Gordon for Ashland.news

A group of about 40, mostly women, gathered in near-freezing weather Saturday morning on the East Main Street side of Ashland Plaza to show their support for women’s rights, from reproductive autonomy to equality across the board.

Cathy Stonefelt and Rick Vann pose for a photo during the rally Saturday morning on Ashland Plaza. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news

Collective concern across many issues was expressed by the attendees. Beth Remington specified what she describes as “the threat to our democracy, the right to access to reproductive rights and women’s health care, as well as the threat to our environment and the immigration issue of deportation.” She expressed hope that “a lot of really strong, intelligent women … are going to be working together.”

Rick Vann of KSKQ was one of five men in attendance.

“I am here because I’m saddened by the fact that women’s rights have taken an enormous, giant step backwards here in the aftermath of the election,” Vann told a reporter. “Racism, misogyny and everything else now is on the horizon. I would like to see more men get out of politics and see these white guys my age go away.” 

Vann, 70, feels hopeful about the future. “Maybe there will be less of the alarmist mentality out there,” he said. “There will be some issues, but I don’t think it will be anywhere near as devastating. I think so much of that rhetoric will not come to fruition. We all need a giant chill pill.” 

Carol Kern moved to Ashland about a year ago from the Bay Area. In addition to women’s rights, Kern mentioned that she is “most concerned about people who don’t look like me, especially legal and illegal immigrants. I plan on staying informed.”

Demonstrators hold up signs at Saturday morning’s rally on Ashland Plaza. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news

Kathy Stonefelt decided to attend the gathering “to keep America great and not go backwards. Regarding the majority of the crowd being older women, she noted, “we’re standing up particularly for the younger women. I’m just grateful for all the people that are standing up for women, particularly the men that are here too.”

Mica from Texas holds up a sign at Saturday morning’s rally on Ashland Plaza. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news

Mica, originally from Texas, said that “when Roe versus Wade was overturned, I fled. And I came up to Ashland because it’s safer for women. I’m very concerned about women’s safety. It’s our rights, our reproductive rights, our livelihood. It’s just a terrifying time to be a woman. We have to get really involved in politics. We have to start at the bottom and work our way up. And we have to.

“We have to demand our place in in all spaces, and we have to. We have to be politically active. We can’t just sit on the sidelines. And we really need to take a cue from black women. For years they’ve been warning us and fighting for us and we just kind of sit in our comfort and we’re going to have to get really comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Maya smiles for a photo while holding a child during Saturday morning’s rally on Ashland Plaza. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news

Maya attended with her toddler son and infant daughter. “I heard about this yesterday,” she said, “and I want my rights to be inherently valued and seen as worthy of entertaining, either financially or just just. I just want to be supported in the world as a woman, as every woman should feel, every woman, every girl in this world should feel like their ideas are supported, their beliefs are recognized, and that their power is given to instead of taken from. I know, I feel like, in this world, some women don’t grow up knowing that they’re worthy of a successful, abundant life, unless it’s (explicitly said). I just think to be a woman is naturally coming from a place of abundance.”

The gathering elicited some horns of support from passing cars, and cheers from passers-by. The overall sensation from the attendees was ultimately a combination of concern and trepidation coupled with the impetus to act together and stand up for everyone’s rights. And, as Maya noted, “We create life, we create a home, we create the sense of warmth. And in this world, but it could sometimes feel so cold,” and this will likely be what motivates everyone going forward.

Debora Gordon is a writer, artist, educator and non-violence activist who recently moved to Ashland from Oakland, California. Email her at [email protected].

Jan. 19: Name added to photo caption.

Demonstrators line the East Main Street side of Ashland Plaza on Saturday morning. Debora Gordon photo for Ashland.news
Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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