In 1973, a year before the founding of Equal Rights Advocates, a group of four women founded an organization to advocate for victims of sexual violence. In 2005, San Francisco Women Against Rape held its first anti-violence march. In 2013, a team of Equal Rights Advocates staff members and friends joined SFWAR and walked nearly 4 miles through the Mission District to raise awareness against rape culture and to support survivors.

The march was packed — we couldn’t have been prouder of and happier for the SFWAR organizers. Along our route, from The Women’s Building on Valencia to La Raza Park at the foot of Potrero Hill, half the streets were blocked off to accommodate some 400 women, men and children who marched together. While we walked, marchers shared stories and thoughts with each other (and the march’s many street-side observers) through dozens of homemade signs and creative chants.

ERA law fellow Ariana Flores noted how many of the signs and conversations between walkers centered around the wrongness of victim-blaming. “Our culture should teach men not to rape, and stop teaching women how not to get raped,” she said. ERA supporter and first-time marcher Sheela Kamath said she was impressed with the diversity of attendees.

“I was happy to not only see younger people, but men and boys walking as well. I was also heartened by all the bystanders who showed their support, either by cheering from the sidewalk, the windows of their homes, or by honking their horns. It made me feel proud to be part of SFWAR’s effort,” she said.

Equal Rights Advocates has long fought to eradicate sexual violence against women. To read about our client Maria, who successfully sued her employer for failing to protect her from assault and harassment at work, click here. To support SFWAR’s future walks or great work for women, visit their website.

Thanks to SFWAR for having us, and for teaching us so much. See you next year!

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