“31 October 2014: Women unite, reclaim the night! Not Silent ! Not Violent ! My little black dress does not mean yes!
Despite the massive advances in equality the women’s movement has brought us, one issue where the statistics never seem to change is that of sexual violence. 1 in 3 women will experience sexual violence in her life, and while abhorrent these statistics aren’t surprising when we live in a culture that so brutally objectifies and dehumanises women. This level of violence is an epidemic and it has to stop. We need a government that will fully fund all services related to the issue, from shelters and counseling services to proper consent education and support for vulnerable women.
But it won’t just be handed to us. The history of the women’s movement has shown we have to make demands and fight for every advance. Violence and the oppression of women are not inherent to human nature, they absolutely can be stopped. But we need strength in numbers to combat such an overwhelming issue. With all eyes on Brisbane for the G20 – Let’s make the people who can impact these issues stand up and take notice of such an important yet rarely spoken about topic. No one likes talking about sexual violence – but it starts by having the courage to challenge the culture around you and speaking out.
So come along to Reclaim the Night 2014, bring your placards, noisemakers, banners, friends and most of all your VOICE. Together we will fight and together we can win!
Reclaim the Night will start at Emma Miller Place (located off Roma St) with a rally at 5pm, before marching over Kurilpa Bridge to Kurilpa Park where we will have more speakers and hold a vigil for those lost to gendered violence. We will also be selling cold drinks and tshirts at Kurilpa Park.”
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/309797525895764/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular