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Anti-Trump demonstrators gather in Erbil to speak out for equal rights

21-01-2017

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Hannah Lynch

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A small but boisterous group of men and women came out in the rain to demonstrate in support of women's rights in central Erbil on Saturday evening at the base of the city's citadel chanting “Women's rights are human rights!”

They came out to show that they are fighting against the oppression of women, Lily Crum, one of the event’s organizers, explained.

Crum was pleased with the turnout of about 40 people, considering the event only had been advertised on Facebook.

"A lot of locals came out too," she added indicating that the event wasn’t just attended by expatriates.

Women's Marches were held around the world in solidarity with hundreds of thousands claimed be descending on Washington, DC, to make a strong statement on the second day of Donald Trump's presidency.

"We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us," read a statement advertising the event.

Trump is regarded by some to be a misogynist for statements he’s made about women’s appearances and expected policy stances that may limit federal funding for women’s health.

During the primaries, a lewd 2005 conversion recorded by a microphone that wasn’t turned off after an interview with the TV show Access Hollywood leaked of him saying that it’s OK to assault women if you’re famous.

“And when you’re a star, they let you do it,” Trump says. “You can do anything.”