By The Ripple Effect Team
Reclaim the Night has a long and powerful history as a movement across the UK, originating in Leeds in 1977.
Reclaim the Night has been prominent in cities and towns across the UK for nearly five decades. Its initial message in the 1970s was the rage and anger that women felt about being given curfews in response to severe violence against women and girls. These reactions are still prevalent today, as women show their fury at having to take extra measures to ensure their own safety within their daily lives.
The event typically takes place around the period of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25th to December 10th. The march focuses on “reclaiming the streets” to highlight that public spaces should be safe for everyone, especially women.
Rotherham has been holding the event for 10 years, since 2015, and every year it highlights just how important safety and equality is to the communities of Rotherham. The event provides an effective platform to discuss and protest issues of safety and violence that affects women in the town.
Wow Rotherham had this to say on the lead up to the event
“As part of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we will take back our streets. Working with local businesses and venues, we will light up the town centre and celebrate our high street. Expect joy, hope, and inspiration. Free for all ages, all genders and men are encouraged to be allies.”
The 2025 event has proven to be just important to Rotherham communities as it ever has been.
Partner organisations in the VCS and community members worked together to create banners and lanterns that were used in the march and displayed in local businesses that support the event.
Crafting activities at Grimm started the evening to create more lanterns, magical wish wands and flowered crowns to lift the aesthetic of the march.
Shouts of “Reclaim the night” and “Who’s streets?……. Our Streets!!” rang around the town centre, even the typical British weather didn’t put a dampener on spirits.
Singing led by a local choir held a captive audience until the inspirational and thought provoking panel took place in the town hall.
