Today the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
It’s a subject that’s close to my heart and the reason I was among 2,000 women who took to the streets of London on Saturday for 2009’s Reclaim The Night march, the sixth since RtN’s revival in 2004. Heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those involved and it was wonderful to see such a diverse group of women in such a celebratory atmosphere.
Led by all-female drumming group SheBoom, we made our way through central London, attracting a lot of attention from passers-by and residents. In comparison to last year when I witnessed first hand the anger and abusive attitudes of some men watching the march, onlookers seemed to be very positive and supportive, with many cheering, clapping and waving and some even joining us.
On Sunday, however, my mood was squashed somewhat when I learned that a woman was assaulted by a man during the march.
This shocking and disgusting incident reinforces exactly why we need to march in the first place – because women cannot go where they want, when they want and be safe. We come under attack by men, yet the onus is always on us to protect ourselves by staying at home, not going anywhere alone, or changing the clothes we wear. This should not be the case. As many of us chanted: “We demand the right - to walk the streets at night - without the fear of rape”.
Following the march, speakers from the NUS, National Union of Teachers and Million Women Rise addressed a packed rally at the Camden Centre. They discussed objectification, the lives of women who are suffering at the hands of abusive men, women the world being raped as a result of war. The message? That violence towards women is not inevitable and we must challenge it at every opportunity.
The role schools and colleges could play in helping to tackle violence was also highlighted. This seems particularly relevant this week, as new NSPCC research has revealed that one in four teenage girls have suffered violence at the hands of a boyfriend and one in three have suffered an unwanted sexual act. Teenage abusers are to be targeted in a new government campaign that aims to raise awareness of violence in young relationships and will be supported by schools.
Finally we heard from Finn MacKay of the London Feminist Network, who issued a rousing call to action highlighting the recent resurgence of feminist networks and campaigns in the UK. She mentioned that on Saturday alone, Reclaim the Night marches were also taking place in Rome, Grenoble and Newquay. These are just some of many to take place this year. At a time when there are particular tensions in the movement over certain issues, she called for unity and spoke of the importance of working together to advance the positive message of feminism - despite the anti-feminist myths and negativity spread by some.
“There are all too many women out there who do not believe in themselves, let alone a movement of women,” she said.
“Do not flinch in your idealism. Never give up. Know that you are part of a proud movement with a great history and an even greater future.”
The rally ended with the presentation of the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize to women and organisations which work against male violence towards women and children. Afterwards, the buoyant mood of the evening continued as DJs took to the stage and stalls from a variety of organisations gave out information and resources. My friends and I threw a few fabulous shapes before heading off to get the last train home, commenting on the unthreatening, positive atmosphere of the afterparty in contrast to our experiences at clubs and already looking forward to next year's RtN.
Facts on violence against women in the UK highlighted by Reclaim the Night:
- 30 years ago women who reported rape had a one in three chance of seeing a rapist convicted, compared to only one in 20 today
- Every week two women are murdered by a male partner or ex-partner
- One in four women live with domestic violence
- The majority of women in the UK have no access to a Rape Crisis Centre
- An estimated 33,000 girls and young women are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation
- Police estimate there are over 5000 cases of forced marriage every year
Image via HannahNicklin's Flickr