Thousands of Montrealers showed up in support of the Women’s March on Washington, protesting new President Donald Trump’s policies and past comments about women.

Beatrice Vaugrante, executive director of Amnesty International Canada’s French-speaking branch, said it was important for the 500,000 people who assembled in Washington, D.C to know they are not alone.

“We are just here to say, to tell them, we are a big crowd, a big movement and we are with you,”

 she said. “We are here to make sure that no regression in women’s rights will be accepted.”

Protester Louise Dessertine said she thoroughly disagrees with Trump on multiple issues having to do with equality, human rights and the environment. She said she believes that protesters can influence what happens in the corridors of power and hopes the women who voted for Trump take their message to heart when he’s up for reelection.

“I’m here because I have a daughter, a son and a grandson. I’m here for the future,” she said. “I think along with every other city where there’s protests across the world, we’re making a statement.”

The event attracted a fair amount of men, with several saying that equality is an issue that’s important to all, not just women.

American Randy Kritkausky said he hopes the message being sent from around the world is heard in Washington, D.C.

“It’s not a men or a women issue, it’s a human issue,” he said. “I understand the sensitivity in particular on the side of women because of the outrageous statements our president has made. We all have to work together.”

Serear Ulutas said he was passing by and wanted to see what the event was all about and learn more about the women’s concerns.

“I think it’s important to listen to women’s demands and make them feel comfortable and free in society,” he said. “So they can express themselves and live their wives the way they wish.

The protest was one of many held across Canada, and the world. Organizers said 30 events were held in the country, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

Roughly 600 Canadians, most of them women, made the overnight trek on chartered buses from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Windsor, Ont., to participate in that march.

There are also hundreds of protest marches organized in more than 30 other countries.

During last year's presidential campaign there were accusations of sexual misconduct against President Donald Trump, while he came under attack from those who felt some of his comments toward women were disrespectful.