Reclaim the Night at Ayrshire College
The Ayrshire College Student Association organised another successful ‘Reclaim the Night’ march in Kilmarnock on Thursday 28 November.
‘Reclaim the Night’ is a movement that started in 1977, and is a show of strength and a collective demand for freedom from sexual violence and harassment. This is the fourth time the Ayrshire College Student Association - in partnership with Ayrshire College and the STAR Centre - has organised a march through Kilmarnock.
The march took place as part of the ’16 Days of Action’ campaign, which aims to eradicate gender-based violence.
Staff members and students of Ayrshire College were joined by members of the public and representatives from local organisations as they marched through the town from the College’s new Kilmarnock Campus on Hill Street.
Marchers brought along banners and placards, and chanted songs as they promoted a safer environment for all. The march ended back at the Kilmarnock Campus where there was a panel discussion on gender-based violence.
Lainey McKinlay from the STAR Centre said “Reclaim the Night provides a fantastic opportunity for organisations, services and the community to come together and raise awareness of violence against women and gender inequality. Tonight’s march was a powerful expression of unity as we marched in solidarity, having our voices heard on a subject that is still too silent."
Equality & Inclusion Advisor at Ayrshire College, Sara Turkington said “the Reclaim the Night walk demonstrated just how important it is in bringing people together to say ‘no more’ to any form of gender based violence. It is always a privilege to support the walk and I hope it shows just how committed the College is to preventing and ending violence against women and girls.”
Another ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk is due to take place in North Ayrshire on Tuesday 3 December, starting at 5:15pm from Trinity Church in Irvine.
If you have been affected by violence, abuse or harassment and need information and support, there are agencies who can help, these include:
http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/
http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
https://fearless.scot/ (LGBT+ support, men and BME)
https://mwrc.org.uk/ (Specialist support for Muslim and BME women aged 16-25)
https://starcentreayrshire.org/
29 November 2019
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