Reclaim the Night represents a claim for women's basic human right to live in freedom from discrimination and fear of violence.

Where did it start?

The first Reclaim the Night protest march took place on 23rd November 1976 in Leeds, England.

 

 

Why?

The women of Leeds were angry at advice to stay indoors to avoid becoming a victim in the "Ripper" killings. Hundreds of women marched with torches through the town until they reached city square where they sang protest songs.

Marches occurred simultaneously in 11 towns, from Manchester to Soho.

Australia held it's first Reclaim the Night march in 1978.

Now?

Reclaim the Night protest marches are held world-wide in November to protest against sexual assault and domestic violence toward women. Their purpose:

To increase community awareness of issues of violence against women

To educate the community about the extent and the nature of the violence that is systematically used against women

To empower individual men and women to take direct action against violence

To challenge organizations and institutions to implement policies and initiatives which are effective in addressing issues of violence against women.

 

Check your local press for event details.