Thousands Take Off Work in Honor of International Women's Day

There was a pediatrician, an office manager, a tech engineer and a handyman -- or should that be -- “handywoman.”

They were among more than a thousand who showed up outside San Francisco City Hall Wednesday in celebration of International Women’s Day. Many heeded the call for "A Day Without a Woman," taking off from work to showcase the importance of women to the economy.

Some say their boss gave them the day off. Others say they didn’t really ask.

“Uhhh -- there wasn't a choice in the matter,” says Mary Coniglione, an office manager at a structural engineering firm in Pleasanton.

Coniglione sported a bright red shirt, answering the call of organizers to wear the bold color in solidarity. Others donned red scarves, capes, tiaras and pussyhats.

There were signs dotting the crowd highlighting the double standard women face in the workplace over sexual harassment, wages and hiring.

Tech workers seemed to be out in force, eager to talk about the gender disparity in their field.

“I see it every day,” says Yemi Aeoemayehu, a systems engineer for a biotech company. She says she’s the only woman on her team in what she describes as a “very male-dominated” field.

The aim of this rally and those around the globe was to celebrate women, but it’s clear the crowds were bigger and the energy heightened due to anger over President Trump and his policies.

“This is a time when people have to take action and speak up,” says Coniglione, “And say this is not OK. This is not normal.”

Coniglione brought her 23-year-old daughter to the rally. The two also went to San Francisco International Airport after Trump issued his January travel ban that sparked nationwide protests.

Like many at this rally, Coniglione says she is not normally politically active. But she now finds herself sending cards to her representatives in Washington on a regular basis.

Rosalie Lack, a librarian, says she’s never been active either. But she says her rights are now under threat.

“There are battles ahead that we’ve already fought and won and that we’re refighting,” says Lack.

Lack didn’t take the whole day off work, but said it was important to show up. Several said they know not all women have the luxury of taking a day off. But as one said that’s OK -- others were here to represent.