Supporters take message to streets for International Women’s Day

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 9, 2017

SNOHOMISH — Linda Adams, 65, sees change that reminds her of an earlier time.

When she was growing up, she said, women couldn’t have their own credit score. They shared with their husbands. Career opportunities extended as far as teaching and nursing.

One thing hasn’t changed, though. People stand together.

About 35 women and men gathered Wednesday on the corner of 2nd Street and Lincoln Avenue in Snohomish waving signs at passing cars. One sign read, “Girls with dreams become women with vision.” They celebrated International Women’s Day, a yearly tradition that started almost a century ago when 15,000 women marched down streets in New York advocating for their rights.

“The movement got us the right to vote,” co-coordinator Karen Guzak said. “To keep women as equal members of society out there in the forefront is important.”

People crowded on both sides of the intersection cheering through the chilly afternoon. Warner Blake, of Snohomish, held a sign saying, “I’m with her” with arrows pointing to those around him bundled in hats and gloves. A man sang “Amazing Grace” on one side of the street. Tim Noah, a town-favorite guitarist, performed on the other side.

Guzak and other women said they worry about the political climate in Washington, D.C., and what that might mean for women. Co-coordinator Lya Badgley said this gathering was a way to raise awareness.

“The world is changing and Snohomish is changing. Some people don’t like that,” said Izabel Babic, 19.

Meanwhile, someone shouted “go back home with the kids” out the window of a passing car. Shortly after, a driver stopped his car in the road next to a group of women and spun his truck tires, flinging dirt and stirring up smoke.

“We could go back to those days,” Adams said.

Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for International Women’s Day. This year, it was “Be bold for change.”

Babic is studying Japanese and anthropology at Everett Community College. She thinks she might want to be a documentary filmmaker.

“We could use more female filmmakers,” she said.

Her friend, Shayla McNatt, 17, plans to study international relations and hopes to work for the United Nations.

“For women to step forward and to claim their power and work for change is really important,” Guzak said.

Bettering the community is something Guzak said she has worked for since she entered politics. She has served as both a city councilwoman and mayor in Snohomish. She has urged women to take advantage of opportunities for change within Snohomish, whether they volunteer on a committee or run for City Council. Four seats will be up for election in the fall.

In the meantime, Badgety is following the advice of her mother.

“She taught me to find beauty with a big B in the middle of ugliness,” she said.

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com