We march to Reclaim the Night, not just saying but demonstrating that rape and sexual assault is the responsibility of the attacker, not their victim. We will march on Monday to demand our right to live without the fear or reality of rape and sexual violence, to show solidarity between and empower those most affected by rape culture and sexual violence - women.
We are reclaiming spaces in which we are constantly told it is the responsibility of the victim to avoid being assaulted. Too rarely we rarely hear the message that it is wrong to assult and that informed consent is a fundamental building block of safe sex and healthy relationships.
Recently victim blaming has been a major talking-point within AUSA and around campus.
We want women to join together and march from Hillhead Halls, through campus, and into town on the 6th of October (Monday) to show that we should be able to confidently walk through Aberdeen at night and feel safe on our streets.
March Details (see notes on gender inclusion):
Meet at the dome at Hillhead at 7.30pm, for a 7:45 departure.
Wrap up warm and bring a torch for Seaton Park!
Notes on gender inclusion: This event is organised by women, for women. In line with our Women's Forum membership policy, it is open to all self-defining women. Similar to NUS Women's Campaign, we aim to be inclusive of nonbinary and genderqueer people whose self-definition and lived experience may include woman/female. This is especially relevant in campaigns to end sexual violence as these groups are acutely affected and need space to self-organise for change.
You do not have to be a student to take part, we welcome members of the Aberdeen local community as well as students from other institutions and unions.
Rally Details (inclusive of all genders):
While the march is not open to men, we ask that supportive men in our community join us for the rally at the end of Belmont Street near the Art Gallery. We are currently testing the route and will post a rally time shortly, but we estimate it will be at about 9pm.
In order to keep the march a safe and empowering protest for survivors of sexual violence, we ask that men join us at the rally only.
I am so happy to see so many men wanting to take part and I encourage you to look out for the many projects we will run this year to get you on board with campaigning for gender equality, too.
-Genna Clarke, President for Welfare and Equal Opportunities pres.welfare@abdn.ac.uk