Women leading the struggle: 2010 International Women's Day March

Flyers promoting San Antonio's 20th International Women's Day March simply said, "SA Women will March."

And march they did. By the thousands.

According to the vision statement of International Women's Day 2010, "women and girls all over the world are the voices of conscience, the roots of change and the leaders of social and global movements . . . we march in solidarity with women and social justice movements around the world."

In San Antonio, about 2,000 women, men and children gathered for the march at the corner of Bowie and Market Streets, next to the Grand Hyatt hotel. Grand Hyatt worker, Iola Scott warmed up the crowd by talking about her employer and what she says are injustices taking place in the handling of worker injuries at the hotel.

Scott is a member of the housekeepers union, Unite Here.

Following a blessing by hip-hop graffiti artist, Chicana poet and vocalist, Kiowitl Xochitl, the crowd took to the streets and headed for Milam Park.

Along the route, cars honked their horns in support and marchers chanted, "Hyatt, Escucha! Estamos en la lucha! 1,2,3,4! We won't take it any more! 5,6,7,8! No more violence! No more hate!"

Local groups marching included Fuerza Unida, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, P.E.A.C.E. Initiative, Martinez Street Women's Center, San Antonio Coffee Party and students from Our Lady of the Lake University, St. Mary's University and University of Texas San Antonio.