Speaking out for what you believe in can be difficult, but it can unify people in the closest of ways. On Jan. 21, two students and a teacher, joined the Women’s Rally against Donald Trump that was held all across the United States. They showed their support for feminism by standing up for causes they believe in as Trump’s platform planned to make changes that could affect women all over the country.

Sophomores Karishma Cordero and Alyssa Farber attended a rally in Frisco. They decided to participate in the rally together and made posters with phrases that represent the rights they believe women should have.

Cordero believes strongly in feminism and speaking her mind on women’s rights.  

“I just think people see stereotypes of feminists as bad and some girls just think ‘I don’t want to be seen as that because of the stereotypes people will judge me as,’” Cordero said. “Some people think feminists are ugly or fat and that’s just not true. People just have an idea in their mind that feminists are extremists and we’re not. We’re just saying that men and women deserve the exact same rights and standards.”

Farber stands firm in her opinion that the women of this generation need to fight for what they believe in, and she thinks everyone should take charge and express their opinions.

“We are the future of the country and of the world,” Farber said. “If we don’t fight for what’s right there will be no future. When Karishma and I protested, we were standing up for what we know is right, and something that our ancestors also had to fight for.”

As the rally progressed, Cordero and Farber spoke out on abortion, an issue they feel a strong connection to.

“We don’t know their situation and what’s going on in their life and the decision of their life’s path shouldn’t fall onto one person,” Cordero said. “Even if abortion was banned, it wouldn’t end completely. People would still find ways to abort their children in ways that are unsafe.”

U.S. history teacher Michelle Nickeson also participated in the rally. She attended the rally held in Denton. Nickeson said the rally taught her a lot about our country’s unity.

“There were people there of all different religions, ethnicities, even genders,” Nickeson said. “There was just so much unity to promote equality.”

Nickeson said being a history teacher is a huge part of why she attended the rally.

“I wanted to honor our country’s rich history of protest,” Nickeson said. “I think it’s important to speak up peacefully so the government can hear your concerns.”

Nickeson believes that as women strive to gain more rights and become equal to men, women of this generation are going to have to fight for what they believe more than ever. She said progress doesn’t happen on it’s own, and that the women of this country have to fight for change if they want to see change made.

“Progress isn’t guaranteed,” Nickeson said. “It doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s the people, the policies, legislation and activists. I think [the rally] was a reminder that if you want equality, you have to get up and go do something about it.”

Cordero, Farber and Nickeson all rallied for a change, and they think other women should work towards what they believe in as well. Cordero believes that no matter what cause people believe in, they should fight for it because that is their right as an American.

“I think people at Hebron should stand up for what they believe in no matter what others think,” Cordero said. “If you really believe in something and you have a good reason behind it, you should tell people about it. Speak your mind, no matter the cost.”