Reclaim the Night: Aberdeen Marches Against Violence Towards Women

This evening, Aberdeen city centre will echo with the footsteps of solidarity as women gather for the Reclaim the Night march. Starting at 6 pm from Aberdeen Art Gallery, the march will take its message along Belmont Street and Union Street, concluding at Common Sense at the top of Union Terrace. It’s not just a walk but a resounding statement against violence towards women and girls, a problem that remains as pervasive as it is unacceptable.

Reclaim the Night isn’t just Aberdeen’s story; it’s a worldwide movement. This march marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs annually from 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, World Human Rights Day.

The timing is symbolic, linking the fight against gender-based violence to the broader struggle for human rights. It’s a stark reminder that until women can live free from fear, true equality remains an unfulfilled promise.

Reclaim the Night marches have a long history, dating back to the 1970s when women first took to the streets to protest against sexual violence and demand the right to walk safely at night. Decades later, the marches are still needed. Violence against women remains an enduring issue, both globally and here in Scotland.

This evening’s march in Aberdeen is a chance to shine a spotlight on the issue, to amplify voices that demand change, and to reclaim public spaces as places of safety for everyone.

Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, has lent her voice to the campaign, acknowledging the ongoing struggle for gender equality and safety. She said:

“Sadly, the problem of violence against women and girls, and the gender inequality which is a direct cause of it, is still very much an issue both in this country and across the globe. That is why I am proud to lend my support to Reclaim the Night and the wider campaign.”

Councillor Radley also highlighted the council’s proactive efforts in tackling the issue. These include establishing registered safe spaces at key city locations such as Aberdeen Art Gallery and Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure women can feel secure in public areas.

Another crucial step taken by Aberdeen City Council has been the introduction of an online training programme developed by Scottish Women’s Aid and Equally Safe, a national strategy aimed at preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

This programme is designed to educate council staff, regardless of gender, on the causes, impacts, and support avenues related to gender-based violence. By fostering greater understanding among staff, the council is working to build a culture of awareness and allyship, ensuring that women feel supported and heard.

While marches like Reclaim the Night are crucial for raising awareness, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The fight against violence towards women requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes legislative changes, robust support services, education, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.

Aberdeen’s efforts are a step in the right direction. Safe spaces, educational initiatives, and public demonstrations all contribute to a culture where violence against women is not tolerated. But there’s still much work to be done.

For many women, walking home at night remains an act fraught with caution. Keys clutched between fingers, phones gripped tightly, and eyes scanning every shadow, these are experiences far too familiar for half the population.

Reclaim the Night is a reminder that women should not have to live this way. It’s a demand for a world where public spaces are safe for everyone, regardless of gender.

And while the focus is on women, the responsibility for change doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders. Men, too, must play a role, calling out harmful behaviour, supporting initiatives, and reflecting on the ways they can contribute to a culture of respect and equality.

Tonight’s march through Aberdeen’s city centre is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a rallying cry, a visible stand against violence, and an invitation for everyone, women and men alike, to join the fight for change.

It’s also a chance to celebrate the resilience and strength of women who continue to demand better. By coming together, participants send a powerful message: violence against women is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal one.

Reclaim the Night is just the beginning of 16 days of activism in Aberdeen and beyond. From educational workshops to community events, this period offers countless opportunities for people to get involved, learn, and take action.

But activism doesn’t have to stop when the 16 days are over. The fight against violence towards women is a year-round effort, requiring sustained commitment from individuals, communities, and governments.

For more information on the Reclaim the Night event, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Aberdeen-Womens-Alliance-100066839903068/