Women's March On Washington, D.C., Could Draw 200K

WASHINGTON, DC — The Women's March on Washington on Jan. 21 could be one of the biggest D.C. demonstrations on the National Mall in a very long time. Not only has the number of people who have said they're attending gotten closer to 200,000, but a whopping 1,200 Women's March on Washington buses reportedly have permits to park at RFK Stadium, compared to just 200 for the inauguration itself.

The march will take place the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20. While organizers have stressed that the demonstration isn't a protest of Trump, the movement has a message that seems to directly reference the inflammatory comments the president-elect has made about women throughout his campaign.

The Washington Post quotes D.C. Council member Charles Allen (Ward 6) as saying that organizers have applied for permits to park 1,200 buses at RFK stadium, close to its capacity at 1,300. Just 200 permits have been sought for the day before.

That won't necessarily be all the buses that come into town carrying demonstrators, as drivers can still find parking outside the stadium.

Meanwhile, a home in Reston is serving as the headquarters of the "Pink Hat Project" — the real name is actually a reference to vulgar comments made by Trump in a leaked 2005 video — and supporters all around the country are knitting hats and mailing them in to prepare for the huge event.

"On January 21, 2017 we will unite in Washington, DC for the Women’s March on Washington," organizers of the movement state on the Facebook page. "We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families — recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.

"The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us--women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault," it continues. "We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear."

Organizers say the march is inclusive, and everyone who supports women's rights is welcome.

"We support the advocacy and resistance movements that reflect our multiple and intersecting identities," they add. "We call on all defenders of human rights to join us. This march is the first step towards unifying our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up. We will not rest until women have parity and equity at all levels of leadership in society. We work peacefully while recognizing there is no true peace without justice and equity for all. HEAR OUR VOICE."

For Patch's complete inauguration coverage, click here.

Image via Women's March on Washington