Women’s ATX March draws thousands to Texas Capitol

The pink knitted hats and witty political signs are back. The annual Women's ATX March drew in crowds of women raising their voices for equality. Among the speakers were the Austin city councilwomen standing proud to be a majority woman council.

AUSTIN, Texas - The pink knitted hats and witty political signs are back. The annual Women's ATX March drew in crowds of women raising their voices for equality. Among the speakers were the Austin city councilwomen standing proud to be a majority woman council.

Councilwoman Alison Alter took to the podium and discussed gun violence and domestic violence in the U.S urging the crowd to seek change and vote for gun reform.

In its 4th year, the women's march was prompted by President Trump's campaign and inauguration.

In 2017, hundreds of thousands marched across the nation. This year's crowd was smaller but the message remained the same.

Lauryn Ott felt empowered to dress like her hero Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "I think there's a lot of frustration about how women are treated, about how everything is going down with President Trump we just expect so much more from a presidency,” Ott said. “We are not being heard and our rights are starting to get threatened and taken away and it's something that we just can't stand for anymore."

Protestors came from all across Texas, Gretchen Chaney traveled from Port Aransas, with a sign designed by one of her students. "Honor, justice democracy, dignity, love these are all things I think we need to get back to in our daily lives and our political lives," said Chaney.

The movement over time has become a new tradition for families. Diana Huczek brought her daughter to help support a local candidate. "I think it's important to see and for her to feel the energy and listen to these inspiring women," Huczek said.

Along with local elections, the upcoming presidential election was on the minds of many. Protestors urged voters to look at equal representation, reproductive rights, and immigration.

“We need to be on it, this is so important we need to have people we believe in, believe in us and support what we stand for in office and it’s time for change," said Ott.

DPS estimated about 4,000 people were at the rally, there were no complaints or fights. Staff Sergeant Victor Taylor said the demonstration was a peaceful one.