Join us to 'Reclaim the Night' and mark the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence!

On Monday 25 November, we're inviting you to join our Reclaim the Night march, a powerful gathering focused on reclaiming public spaces to highlight women's safety and equality.

The history of Reclaim the Night

The Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group organised the first Reclaim the Night marches in Leeds in 1977 after being inspired by the synchronised marches across Germany protesting rape and violence against women. The first marches in Leeds were, in part, a response to the 'Yorkshire Ripper', who sexually attacked and murdered 13 women across Yorkshire.

Source: ITV News - Reclaim the Night, Leeds, 1977

Women in the area were angry with the police and press response to the 'Yorkshire Ripper' - as women in sex work were mainly targeted, the press barely reported on the murders. After a young student was then murdered, the police told women not to go out at night and stay out of public spaces after dark. However, women working late or night shifts, or those involved in sex work, had no choice but to go out at night.

On the night of 12 November 1977, the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group called for women to march in cities across the UK. Hundreds of women took to the streets that night, marching with flaming torches through city centres and back streets emphasising a woman's right to walk freely without fear or the threat of male violence.

Why should you attend?

Today, we march for the same reasons.

1 in 3 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

Across England and Wales, 85,000 women experience rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault every year.

In September 2024, the most reported crime in Sheffield was violence and sexual offences.

Revolt Sexual Assault reported that 70% of female students and recent graduates have experienced sexual violence. In 57% of cases, the perpetrator was known to the student. Amongst those who knew the perpetrator, it was most frequently another student from their university (75%).

A survey in the Independent found the majority of male respondents think a woman is more likely to be sexually harassed or assaulted if she wears revealing clothes.

Today, we march to end the culture of victim-blaming. We march to hold abusers accountable, not their victims.

Today, we march to challenge the harmful stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence. We march for a future free from fear and violence.

Join us to unite against women's violence, be part of a community that strives for gender equality, and honour the legacy of women's rights activism in Yorkshire.

On the day

This march is an open invitation to all who believe in equality and security for everyone. Whether you join the march, engage in discussions, or get involved with the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, you all have the power to help rewrite the narrative of safety and empowerment.

The march will begin at City Hall Steps at 6pm with an initial speech from Abi Marchant, Officer for Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, who has been pivotal in organising the event. After the march, you'll also hear speeches from:

• Laura Hollingsworth, President of HSU Women's Society.
• Flo, an activist from Catcalls of Sheffield, known for raising awareness on street harassment.

Stewards will be present to guide attendees along the route and ensure everyone feels safe. For further information and details on accessibility, please contact m.bebbington@shu.ac.uk.

Show up, speak out, be part of the change; together, we'll reclaim the night and women's right to safety.