The event was organised by the Northern TUC and UNISON’s Northern Region Women’s Network was out in force to support the event. Pat Heron, Chair of the Network said “All women have the right to use all public spaces at any time of the day or night without the fear of sexual harassment and assault and as UNISON has over a million women members it is right that UNISON have a strong presence at this event”.
The march was accompanied with live music and the atmosphere was both celebratory and reflective with women from diverse backgrounds coming together for a common cause. We paused to remember that in Britain there are an estimated 47,000 rapes every year with an estimated 300,000 women sexually assaulted (British Crime Survey 2001) however, Britain's conviction rate is the lowest ever at just 5.3%. When Reclaim the Night marches were first started in the 1970s women were appalled that only 1 in 3 rape complaints led to a conviction; today that figure is 1 in 20. The advice given to women then was to stay indoors which led to the launch of Reclaim the Night.
Claire Williams, Chair of the Northern TUC’s Women’s Group and Convenor of UNISON Northern Region gave an excellent speech, highlighting how the Tory-led Governments cuts are disproportionally affecting women and women’s services, she stated that “government public spending cuts are increasing women's vulnerability, and cutting back on the vital support services that support them”. She drew attention to a banner proclaiming “Feminism, Back by Popular Demand” claiming the Government are clearly turning back the clock on women’s rights.
Huffty, from West End Women and Girls Centre spoke brilliantly of how we as women have worked together to empower the most vulnerable of women in our society but that hard work is under tremendous threat from this Government of predominantly millionaire men. Hufty then uttered the most memorable phrase of the rally “Geordies Unite and Reclaim the Night”.
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central then gave a moving speech where she spoke of her disappointment that in this day and age society still blames the victim of rape rather than the perpetrator. She drew attention to the interview this week by Eamon Holmes with the courageous Hannah Cant who was a victim of rape at the age of 18. When concluding the interview he said “I hope you take taxis now” suggesting that the rape occurred because of something she had done.
A poll commissioned by Amnesty International showed that 33% of the British public who were surveyed thought that women were completely or partly to blame if they were raped. They suggested that women encouraged it by drinking, flirting or being inappropriately dressed.
Reclaim the Night is an excellent event that aims to raise awareness, educate and eradicate the myths that surround rape and in doing so bring justice to the victims. Reclaim the Night also aims to improve the conviction rate so that those who are guilty of rape pay for their crime whilst ensuring that women are believed.
Northern Region Women’s Network is proud to show their support to such a worthwhile and successful event and look forward to working with the Northern TUC to make next year’s event is even bigger.