Women across the country will be gathering on Friday 25 October 2019 to reclaim the night.
In Geelong, women and supporters are invited to attend the Reclaim the Night and Barwon Month of Action Launch which will be held from 6pm in Friday 25 October at the Geelong Trades Hall.
The launch will be followed by a night walk through the streets of Geelong where participants will pay respect to women and children who have lost their lives due to violence.
Speakers at the event will include:
- Councillor Sarah Mansfield (Chair of An Inclusive and Diverse Community portfolio)
- Sergeant Natasha Powles (Victoria Police - Family Violence Advisor) and
- Adele Smith (Geelong Trades Hall President).
The event will be celebrated with local singer Belinda McArdle and the Geelong Trades Hall Women's Choir.
Reclaim the Night allows women and their communities to come together to speak out against violence and to celebrate strength and unity.
Reclaim the Night is about women protesting loudly together – to be seen and to be heard about their right to be safe in their homes and in the streets.
Women of all identities, abilities, backgrounds and ages, are encouraged to attend and join in all or parts of the walk that suit. We encourage everyone in the community who supports this event to also come along to participate and support.
Bring your torches, banners and posters and loud voices!
Councillor Sarah Mansfield - Inclusive and Diverse Community Portfolio
Gender based violence is a major, and unfortunately growing problem, in our community.
Its roots lie in harmful gender norms that shape attitudes and behaviours, which in turn can result in abuse and violence.
Organisations like the City of Greater Geelong play a key role in tackling these root causes. Reclaim the Night is an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues, and hopefully contribute to the broader cultural changes required to make an impact on this issue.
Robyn Stevens - Director Community Life
The City is committed to the prevention of men's violence against women and is proactively working toward gender equity both within the organisation and in the broader community. This is why we support this very important event."
We encourage women and supporters to come along and take part in Reclaim the Night 2019.
