Reclaim the Night is a march organised by London Feminist Network to end male violence and patriarchy in modern society. The march started in 2005 when it was revealed that rape conviction was at an all time low of 5.2%, the lowest in Europe at the time. Seven years on, the percentage hasn’t changed that much. More then ever rape has been blamed on the victim, spawning sister walks such as the ‘Slut Walk’ in the last couple of years. We teach women to not get raped, we don’t teach men not to rape.
Reclaim the night was launched to not only bring exposure to the countries low rape convictions, but also to bring attention to the fact that woman all over the country are afraid to walk alone at night. Reclaim the night says it’s main objective is to show that woman cannot claim to be equal when they live in fear and their fear is not recognised.
“In every sphere of life we negotiate the threat or reality of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. We cannot claim equal citizenship while this threat restricts our lives as it does. We demand the right to use public space without fear. We demand this right as a civil liberty, we demand this as a human right.’ Reclaim the Night proclamation.
The march will meet at 6pm at One Whitechapel Place. If you feel that women are being blamed for rape and you can’t walk down the high street without being objectified then come and shout in the street!
http://www.facebook.com/events/275013282618165/?fref=ts
By Emily Waddell
