March Against Gender-Based Violence Held in Sheffield

A demonstration opposing gender-based violence has occurred in Sheffield. The Reclaim the Night march took place on Saturday evening, with its organisers advocating for increased street lighting in the city, alongside improved services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault and harassment. Approximately 60 people participated in the event, which began at Sheffield Cathedral and concluded at the University of Sheffield Students’ Union concourse. Eloise Taylor, the women’s officer at the Students’ Union, remarked that while such marches originated in the 1970s, gender-based violence remains “still an issue” in 2024. Reclaim the Night marches commenced in Leeds in 1977 to underscore the escalating danger to women after dark, partly in response to a series of murders in West Yorkshire and Manchester committed by serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. At that time, police had suggested women should stay indoors, but campaigners instead took to the streets to protest this recommendation. Ms. Taylor, who organised this weekend’s march in Sheffield, indicated that the Casey Review in 2023, which highlighted deficiencies in how the Metropolitan Police addressed violence against women, demonstrated a continuing necessity for the Reclaim the Night movement. She stated: “The message was very much to raise awareness around gender-based violence and to keep it at the forefront of people’s minds. “It’s still very prevalent today, even moreso. A march is a good way to make our voices heard.” The march was succeeded by a vigil, which included a one-minute silence to commemorate those who had lost their lives due to gender-based violence. This march served as a precursor to additional events forming part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, external campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December. Ms. Taylor mentioned that several public events will be held in Sheffield over the next fortnight as part of the campaign, including a self-defence class on Rutland Street on 6 December. Information regarding this and other events can be found on the Sheffield Students Union’s website. A second Reclaim the Night march, organised by Sheffield Hallam University students, is scheduled for 25 November to coincide with the beginning of the 16 days of action.