Hundreds of women took to the streets of Nottingham to march for women’s rights and safety at night.
This year’s Reclaim The Night march paraded the one mile route from Sneinton Market to Nottingham Trent Student’s Union on Saturday (October 18).
The event organised by Nottingham’s Women’s Centre pushed the message of standing in solidarity and sisterhood.
March organiser and Nottinghamshire Violence Support Services worker Karen Jardine said:
“We are here for every woman, including those who don’t feel safe enough to march.
“We are saying that women should be able to go out and be safe whenever they want.
“They shouldn’t have to go out in fear.”
The campaign reaffirms that the responsibility for safety lies with society, not women themselves.
Reclaim the Night marches began in Nottingham the 1970s before restarting in 2013 after a break.
Former Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, who attended the march, said: “’I want people to come here and have a good time.
“But it is important that we have our allies looking out for us as well.
“So that’s something I think I’m promoting tonight.”
This year’s march was focused on inclusivity, and all self-identifying women were welcome.
Primary school teacher Louise has been bringing her daughter Bea to the march since 2018 when she was just one-year-old to show her she deserves to be safe on the streets.
The 41-year-old said: “Being here with my daughter is about showing her that these are her streets and about standing as a visible witness in Nottingham to say we deserve safety.”
Reclaim the Night events and communication officer Saskia Foran was delighted at the size of the crowd, she said: “The march had a brilliant turnout, and everyone brought such a powerful energy, it was a fabulous evening.
“It really makes a difference when women turn up in their numbers to support each other, and we really felt that on Saturday night.
“Seeing the number of inclusive banners and placards was wonderful to see women from all different backgrounds and having lived very different lives standing together for the same cause united.”
