Hundreds of people take to the city of Lincoln to call for better safety in the night time
Known as Reclaim the Night, the demonstration hopes to shine a light on the harassment and violence women and marginalised groups face
Last updated 26th Nov 2023
Earlier this week women from across Lincoln came out to the city to march for better safety in the nighttime.
Hundreds of people took part to show solidarity to women and marginalised groups that face harassment and violence at night.
Zuzanna Romanska, the Lead Officer at the University Student's Union - who also helped organise the event - emphasizes the significance of persistence in the fight for safety:
“I'm aware that many of you may feel weary—constantly navigating concerns about routes, companionship, timings, and the urgency to return home every night. You might question the effectiveness of marches like Reclaim the Night, and that's understandable. However, if there's one word I want you to hold onto, it's persistence. We must nurture it each time our safety is disregarded. If it takes an annual march, with repeated shouts and shared frustrations, until we can shout no more, so be it. It is through persistent advocacy that we'll secure safety not just for some, but for all. We owe it to ourselves and those who can no longer march with us.”
"Reclaim the Night" traces its roots back to the 1970s, emerging as a global response to the pressing problems of sexual harassment and violence against women. The movement strategically coordinates events, including marches and rallies, to amplify awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and advocate for the safety of women and marginalized communities in public spaces, especially during the nighttime.
This march is also an integral part of the broader White Ribbon campaign, encouraging men and individuals to wear white ribbons on a designated day, often referred to as "White Ribbon Day."
This visible gesture serves as a pledge to never commit, condone, or stay silent about violence against women.