Reclaim the Night
When I read about this week’s 52Frames challenge (for the week commencing 9th November), one lyric in particular sprang to mind, in the song “A girl like you” by Edwyn Collins” – my selected line is a sort of riposte against people who are all talk but little substance.
Too many protest singers
Not enough protest songs
So, while initially daunted with my choice, I set about finding a march or protest in my local area. Fortunately, Manchester Student’s Union were holding a march on 12th November to “Reclaim the Night“. Apparently, the date is an anniversary going back to a curfew imposed in 1977 as a result of the serial murders committed by the Yorkshire Ripper.
So back to the meaning of the song lyric and the cause behind the protest – well I guess I do feel I’m less an observer and more a part of the march as I was at Leeds Uni in the early 80s when Peter Sutcliffe was finally caught. The Students Union at the time also played a part in ensuring female students could go out at night and be safe. The best example was a minibus that women could call for a lift to and from an evening out. There might have been a bit of a wait for a pick-up and the route to your destination might have been a bit convoluted, but it worked brilliantly.
After setting off just after 6:30 pm, the crowd of protesters made their way down Oxford Road.
I loved the bright hand-made banners, bearing slogans such as:
- Get me home safe
- Girls just wanna walk home
- Less catcalling more cats
- So bad even introverts are here
- Their choices are not your failures
- Our fear, their violence, your silence
- I believe you
- Resist rape culture
- Trans solidarity
- Zero Tolerance
I’ve got to give credit to the woman who headed a peaceful but determined and articulate crowd along their route. She kept everyone walking at a brisk pace while leading them in impactful chants.
I’m so pleased that young women are continuing to stand up for a right to be safe at night and that I was able to take a few shots of this well-organised protest march. It’s clear this message is still as important now as it was over 40 years ago!
