Reclaim the Night campaign traces its roots to Leeds

The annual movement calls for women and girls to be safe in public spaces and challenges gender-based violence.

Reclaim the Night began in Leeds in 1977 and has since grown into an international movement, with marches held in places around the world. Its central message is that women and girls should be able to use public streets at any time without being expected to stay indoors to feel safe.

The first march in Leeds was part of the Women’s Liberation Movement. It was organised in response, in part, to the Yorkshire Ripper murders and police advice that women should remain indoors at night. The march protested against the idea that women’s freedom should be restricted as a way of addressing fears for their safety.

Reclaim the Night marches bring people together to show solidarity and call for equality and an end to gender-based violence. The movement also aims to reclaim public spaces, particularly at night.

Ways to take part

People can support the campaign by attending a local march or helping to organise one. Other suggested ways to get involved include discussing the issue with friends or family, sharing leaflets and helping to make banners and signs.

Leeds University Union also lists a programme of campus events for October. The dates provided include activities on 2, 9, 16 and 23 October, as well as events on 6, 15, 20, 27 and 30 October. The information does not specify a year.

The programme includes Culture Fridays, described as student-led cultural events with food, music and live DJs, running from 10am to 4pm. Other listings include screenings of Selma and Sugar Rush at the Pyramid Theatre, and a Futures Conference at the same venue.

Events listed for 27 October include a fashion show at the Riley Smith Theatre, presented by the African Caribbean Society and Fashion for Humanity. On 30 October, a Culture Festival is scheduled for the LUU Precinct from 10am to 4pm. A club night hosted by the African Caribbean Society and Project Hex is also listed for that date, with the venue described as a Leeds location to be announced.

The campus programme sits alongside the wider campaign’s call for safer streets and for women and girls to be able to move freely in public spaces.