By Patricia Schallert –
The 10th annual Ventura County Women’s March took place Saturday, January 17, at Plaza Park in downtown Ventura, drawing thousands of participants from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Justice For All Ventura County (JFAVC) along with numerous co-sponsors, the event centered on the theme “Courage Is Contagious.”
Community organizations including Indivisible Ventura, Indivisible Conejo, Indivisible Simi Valley, 50501 VC (“805”), Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and many others echoed the theme throughout the program, emphasizing the power of collective action and shared resolve.
Speakers explored the meaning of courage – how it emerges in moments of challenge, spreads through communities, and inspires people to act. That sense of courage was palpable throughout the crowd, as participants encouraged one another to speak out, advocate for their beliefs, and amplify their voices.
As one speaker explained, empowerment means “having the confidence, knowledge, and ability to take control of your own life, make decisions, and take action to achieve goals.” Speakers and organizers emphasized that empowerment also includes bodily autonomy and access to resources that allow individuals and communities to overcome barriers and setbacks. Marchers described feeling strengthened by the solidarity of like-minded participants committed to justice, equity, and democratic values.
This year’s march marked a decade of organizing for democracy by Justice For All Ventura County. Participants traveled from across Ventura County and the greater 805 region. The first Ventura Women’s March was held in 2017 as part of a nationwide movement following the inauguration of former President Donald Trump.
According to Shane Meserve, board president of Justice For All Ventura County, the march serves as a peaceful protest against ongoing threats to democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. Meserve urged community members to stand together in defense of legal and human rights for all.
Speakers at the event included Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, Ventura City Council member Ryyn Schumacher, Undocufund Executive Director Primitiva Hernandez, veteran and activist Shawn Terris, and representatives from the 805 movement. A mutual aid food drive organized by community members in Santa Paula also collected donations to support local farmworker families affected by recent immigration raids.
In addition to the speaker program, more than 30 social justice organizations from across Ventura County hosted informational tables at Plaza Park, offering opportunities for attendees to learn more about local advocacy efforts and how to get involved. Families also visited the Kid Zone near the playground, which featured crafts and activities for children.
Following the program, participants marched through downtown Ventura, traveling from Plaza Park along East Main Street, South Palm Street, and Santa Clara Street before circling back to the park. Supportive car horns and waves from bystanders accompanied the marchers along the route.
For more information about Justice For All Ventura County and a list of suggested items for the mutual aid food drive, visit justiceforallvc.org.
