Manchester's Reclaim the Night protest against gender-based violence takes place tonight
Thousands are expected to turn up in support
Last updated 22nd Mar 2022
A protest against sexual violence facing women and gender minorities within University nightlife is taking place tonight in Manchester.
This year's protest marks 45 years since the first 'Reclaim the Night' march took place in 1977, demanding that women be able to move throughout public spaces at night without fear.
While the protest this year shares this same sentiment, protestors are also campaigning for Manchester Universities and the Mayor's office to provide greater support for student sex workers.
The protest organisers are also raising money for charities Support for Student Sex Workers and National Ugly Mugs.
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Protest organiser and University of Manchester's Women's Officer Jas Taylor told us: "Gendered violence is a huge issue and it always has been but we see it so much in the student community in somewhere we're supposed to feel safe, have a good time, make friends and go out.
"This is the 45th Anniversary of the original Reclaim The Night and I think it's awful that we're still having to do this to protect ourselves from violent aggression from men."
They continued: "This year is about supporting sex workers specifically. We are asking for direct support for people dealing with sex worker issues from the University of Manchester and Andy Burnham."
Jas also told us that because of increasing reports of spiking within the student community, they are expecting thousands of people to show up to the protest and voice their frustrations at what they've had to deal with the past year.
They are optimistic that in doing this: "people will be able to take more of a stance and feel empowered to take back these streets."