"Reclaim the Night" in Christchurch

Press Release 31 October 2004
for immediate release

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 it’s 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.

ENDS

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