"Reclaim the Night" in Christchurch
Press Release 31 October 2004
for immediate release
Reclaim the Night
Creating a World Without Violence and Oppression
This Friday, 5th November 2004, Christchurch women will be “reclaiming the night” with a gathering and march beginning
in Cathedral Square from 8.30pm. “Reclaim the night” actions have been taking place worldwide for decades, as women
demand their right to safe streets and a less oppressive society.
In Christchurch this will take the form of a gathering of women and children who will collectively decide the route and
nature of the event. Participants are encouraged to dress up, bring banners, carry sparklers or come up with their own
unique ways to celebrate their right to the night.
The event is open to all women who want to attend. Men can and do support this action and it’s objectives in other moral
and practical ways.
‘The purpose of “reclaim the night” is to take back social spaces that women don’t have safe access to. In many of these
spaces women are harassed and subject to many different forms of abuse. These include rape and physical violence, the
pressure to conform to men’s expectations, and a sense of voicelessness and disempowerment,’ said Claire, who will be
attending the gathering.
ENDS