She spoke at the march of the struggles of women of colour and the close relationships that exist between patriarchy and other forms of cultural oppression, specifically racism and colonialism.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a rise in hateful, sexist, racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic rhetoric.

This has been legitimized by the recent federal elections both in Canada and the United States.

We've been told time and time again that those who don't look a certain way, dress a certain way, speak a certain way, or come from a certain place should be feared.

and that our differences in race, language, class, and faith are somehow indicative of different world views.

However, the reality that we're all standing here today, united in our opinion that women's rights are human rights, proves that hate and fear will not prevail.

And it is empowering to stand among so many like-minded, strong individuals who are dedicated to working towards a society in which women, all women, are treated with dignity and respect.