In the News

The cold and snowy weather certainly did not deter any residents or local political figures from supporting women during the fourth annual NEPA Women's March in Wilkes-Barre.

It was hard not to see the passion today at Millennium Circle on the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront.

"I think it's important that we march each year. We need to empower and inspire women. We need to do more and one of those things is to run for office just like I did and I would like to help more women to do that," says Dr. Jessica Rothchild of Scranton City Council.

Members of NEPA NOW, Action Together NEPA and Queer NEPA gathered at Millennium Circle - singing along and raising a voice for social change.

Mayor Paige Cognetti spoke about her very own challenges of becoming a mother while working in city government.

"I was telling the story about when I found out that I was pregnant with my child that there was no paid family leave for state government workers here in Pennsylvania. And it was just amazing to hear that and luckily I'm in a situation where its something my family could've handled, had I needed to take some leave but the vast majority of Pennsylvania could not afford to not have leave," says Cognetti.

Congressman Matt Cartwright says he would like to see a re-authorization of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act.

"We had I think over thirty republicans on that and it was part of that over two hundred and seventy five bi partisan bills that we passed in this congress so far. Unfortunately we are still waiting action from Senator McConnell's office but it's so important to reauthorize the violence against women act," says Cartwright.

Regardless of political affiliation, age or gender; everyone came out to support the same mission.

"Women's rights are human rights and these events are so important. It's so important that our leadership in Harrisburg look like the communities that they represent and the population," says Joanna Bryn Smith, a candidate for the 120th state house district.

"It's also important that women and LGBTQ people run for office to represent us so that we have people who are like us and that have a voice and have a seat at the table," says Dr. Rothchild.

The mission of the NEPA Women's March is to provide education on many issues by helping new activists and organizers to engage through training, outreach programs and events.