November 5th - Reclaim the Night

Creating a World Without Violence and Oppression

This Friday, 5th November 2004, Christchurch women will be “reclaiming the
night” with a gathering and march beginning in Cathedral Square from
8.30pm. “Reclaim the night” actions have been taking place worldwide for
decades, as women demand their right to safe streets and a less oppressive
society.

In Christchurch this will take the form of a gathering of women and
children who will collectively decide the route and nature of the event.
Participants are encouraged to dress up, bring banners, carry sparklers or
come up with their own unique ways to celebrate their right to the night.

The event is open to all women who want to attend. Men can and do support
this action and its objectives in other moral and practical ways.

‘The purpose of Reclaim the Night is to take back social spaces that
women don’t have safe access to. In many of these spaces women are
harassed and subject to many different forms of abuse. These include rape
and physical violence, the pressure to conform to men’s expectations, and
a sense of voicelessness and disempowerment,’ said Claire, who will be
attending the gathering.

Contact details: RTN@enzyme.org.nz