Tuesday 26-11-2024 - 10:56

Liverpool’s Reclaim the Night March: A Powerful Stand for Safety and Equality

On Friday 29 November 2024, Liverpool will host an important and empowering event: the Reclaim the Night march. Organised collaboratively by Liverpool Hope Students' Union, Liverpool Guild of Students, and Liverpool John Moores Students' Union, this march is a vital moment for the city’s students and allies to raise their voices against the daily experiences of harassment and violence faced by women and marginalised genders. 

 A Call to Action

The Reclaim the Night march is more than just a protest. It is a statement—a call to action for safer streets, better transport, and a stronger community. The march is in direct response to the growing concerns about misogynistic and gender-based violence, which continues to plague public spaces. 71% of women report experiencing sexual harassment in public, and 1 in 3  women will face sexual violence in their lifetime. These staggering statistics highlight a truth that cannot be ignored: women and girls should not have to live in fear as they navigate the streets, particularly during the night.

What is the Reclaim the Night March?

The march will begin at the Bombed Out Church (St. Luke’s Church) at 5:30pm (women and marginalised genders only), where the event kicks off with a welcome speech from Sttudents' Union officers and speeches from external speakers. From there, the march will make its way through the streets of Liverpool, down Bold Street, Church Street, and Lord Street, (with allies joining the march at Primark, Church Street at 6:15pm) before ending at Derby Square (Queen Victoria Monument) by 6:30pm for further speeches.

March route:

• Bombed Out Church (St. Luke’s Church) (Women and marginalised genders only) > Bold Street> Church Street (Allies point outside Primark) > Lord Street > Derby Square (Queen Victoria Monument)

 What Do We Want to Change? Campaign aims

The Reclaim the Night march isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about demanding tangible change. Liverpool’s night life is an area of focus, where safety and accessibility remain pressing concerns. The march is calling for the following changes:

1. Extend Night-Bus Routes for Safer Transport Access: We demand the extension of the city’s night-bus routes, such as providing a bus to areas like Kensington, ensuring everyone can get home safely after late-night events.

2. Ensure Affordable and Safe Transport in Liverpool’s Night-Time Economy: Access to affordable, safe, and reliable transport must be a priority for everyone working or socialising in Liverpool’s night-time economy, reducing the risk of harm and violence for those heading home after a night out.

3. Work Together to Ensure a Safer Student Night Out: The students’ unions are calling for stronger collaboration between universities, local authorities, and transport services to make sure students can enjoy a night out without fear of harassment, abuse, or violence.

How You Can Get Involved

This march is open to everyone, with free registration available online. To join the movement, simply sign up for free at (https://forms.gle/GvKGVkUNSgE2miFW8). 

For Liverpool Hope students, your point of contact is Ella at vpreswelfare@hope.ac.uk. 

 

Don’t miss out on this chance to take part in a significant event that calls for real change.

Join the Movement, Reclaim the Night!

The Reclaim the Night march is an important opportunity for students to unite and demand a safer, more inclusive environment. The streets belong to everyone, and it’s time for us to reclaim them—together. Let’s show up, stand up, and march for a future where no one has to fear harassment or violence in public spaces.

We hope to see you there!