Women's March T-shirt

This t-shirt was worn by many protestors on the Women's Marches held throughout New Zealand on 21 January 2017. The Women's March on Washington organisers designed a strong graphic identity which could be downloaded and shared anywhere in the world. Every organiser used the same branding - most notably the key image of three women's profiles in the colour sequence of orange, blue and cream - then added their location. This particular t-shirt was worn by Grant Highstead. His wife Kari Highstead and their daughter Jordan (10) all wore them on the Wellington march. Kari had organised the printing of them in their hometown of Palmerston North. Kari recalls the march 'was a beautiful and peaceful demonstration of unity and love.'

The Women's March was a global phenomenon which took place on the same day throughout the world featuring a broad coalition of nearly five million participants in over 600 Sister Marches in 60 countries on all seven continents. It was timed to protest the inauguration of the new United States president Donald Trump on 20 January 2017, and was intended to send a message to his administration on its first day in office that women's rights are human rights. The Washington march is now estimated to be the largest political demonstration in American history.

Social media had enabled the idea to sweep rapidly across America and around the world. The original ethos of the Sister Marches was one of solidarity with America, but shifted to a global perspective, with many marchers concerned not only by Trump's misogynistic attitudes but his effect on global politics; rising far-right populism around the world; and local concerns over citizens' rights.

Sister Marches took place across New Zealand with the largest marches in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Their mission was to 'stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognising that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country' (Women's March on Washington Aotearoa New Zealand Facebook).

Branded t-shirts play a significant role in protest movements, demonstrations, and in the accompanying visual record. They declare allegiance; they act as walking billboards; and they attract the notice of spectators and the media. They can also take courage to wear. Collecting such objects demonstrates the zeitgeist of this particular moment, but it also speaks to ongoing concerns about feminism and human rights.

Organising committees both here and overseas are now striving to build on the success of the Women's Marches to make it a sustainable global movement. Future actions include the lobbying of elected officials.