Boudica, The Pre-Modern Feminist

Throughout history, there have been leaders for various political movements that encompass a large amount of people. Perhaps the largest of which is the struggle for the equality of genders, or as it is commonly referred to, feminism. Many people say feminism started with the suffragette movement for voting equality, but many Britons would tell you that it started with Boudica. Boudica, or as commonly Latinised, Boadicea, was a famous leader of the rebellion of the Celtic people's against the ruling Romans during the middle first century. Boudica was Queen of several Celtic tribes, but when her husband died he left the lands equally to their daughters and the Roman Emperor. It wasn't until the Roman's then annexed the lands and declared them conquered without regard to the King's will, that Boudica stepped in and took control of the lands herself.

A statue of Boudica in Colchester

While the Roman general that was charged with holding the new lands was off conquering Wales, Boudica led the Iceni and several other tribes in revolt and destroyed Camulodunum. This is known as modern day Colchester, which is where I used to live in England. She then moved on to Londinium, modern day London, all the while being perhaps the first female ruler in all of Europe. She faced persecution, japes, demoralization and downright disgust when she rode as a warrior among her male peers.

Despite all of this, she was the only one of the Celtic people who stood up and made her voice heard among the deafening roar of the Roman Empire. The fierce redhead stood strong against the tyranny of the vast Roman Empire, up until her death. When she was captured, the Roman general wanted to perform obscene acts on her as a warning to all other women in the empire that they had no place in a man controlled world. Upon hearing this, she poisoned herself as a message that until her last breath she would defy the path set out for her by her male overlords. A feminist icon in England, many places have statues or entire buildings named after her. Because of this wide recognition, many Britons regard Boudica as one of the most profound and greatest monarchs of Celtic history.

My Experience at the Women's March on Trenton by Sylvia Kloian

Exactly 10 days ago, on January 21st, 2017, I attended the Women's March on Trenton, held in our state's capitol. Now let me get a few things straight: the March was not a protest, it was not violent, and it was in no way destructive. In fact, no arrests were made at any of the marches. On the Women's March website, you can find their mission statement, which basically says that we march to fight discrimination against someone due to their gender, race, sexual orientation, citizenship, or physical ability. It also references climate change and a women's right to control her own body. These all happened to be issues that I find extremely important, and all issues that Donald Trump is challenging. So that is why, on the first day of his presidency, over 6,000 men, women, and children took to the streets in Trenton in solidarity against racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and more. In Washington D.C. there were about 450,000-500,000 people in attendance, and even more in L.A. (750,000!). Before and after the Trenton March, there were over 20 wonderful speakers. Some of the most memorable were Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the march's organizer Elizabeth Meyer, and Ruth Savage-Jennings (who has been an activist since she was 14 and was a friend of Martin Luther King Jr.). There were so many others, including LGBT, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian persons. There were also several high school students who spoke. This had to be the most inspiring part of the entire experience. There were 2,900 seats inside, but the rest of us were stuck listening in on the speeches from speakers outside on the stairs of the War Memorial. Everyone was huddled together, holding a multitude of signs, and cheering along together at each speech. I cried listening to all these strong women talk about their accomplishments and about overcoming prejudice and sexism. Finally, I, too, was part of discussions that are rarely had in school or even at home. It's so exhausting to have to sit around while all around you people are trying to tell you what you can and can't wear, what you can and can't talk about, and what you can and can't do with your body. Especially in this election, I've had to pick and choose my battles, and held my tongue sometimes when I've heard someone say something that I think is wrong. And, frankly, I'm tired of holding my tongue. The truth is, most others don't have to. I've noticed that when a man talks about politics, people just say they're sharing they're opinions, but when a woman talks about politics, people say that they're "triggered" (a word that is now often used by many my age to dismiss people expressing actual concern) or being a "bitch". And you may have a different opinion than this, but this is something that I have personally witnessed and experienced. So, because of this, marching was such a healthy way to surround myself with people who respect me and my opinions, and to finally cease "staying quiet". The power of knowing that I was marching with dozens of other sister marches in the U.S. and on every other continent (including Antarctica) was amazing and life changing. I am so, so, so, grateful that I got to be a part of this; one person in a sea of millions who made history by marching for what they believe in.