The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is calling on the community to join Reclaim the Night on Thursday, 29 October, and speak out against gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
The march leaves Andrew Lysaght Park, east of WIN Stadium, at 6.45pm and continues to Wollongong Lighthouse.
Acting General Manager Tonina Harvey said Reclaim the Night is about women’s right to live freely and safely.
“Women should be able to walk home, go out with friends or get on with their day without fear of violence or harassment,” Ms Harvey said.
“Too often, women are expected to change their behaviour to stay safe, to avoid certain places, watch what they wear or make sure they’re never alone. Women’s freedom should not depend on those precautions.
“Reclaim the Night puts the responsibility where it belongs: on those who use violence, and on all of us to challenge the attitudes and behaviour that allow it to continue.”
Reclaim the Night is a long-standing international movement challenging violence against women. Each year, people take to the streets to demand safety and show support for those who have experienced violence.
A local committee of community organisations and volunteers, including members from the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Women Illawarra, organises the Illawarra event to advance gender equality and support victim-survivors.
Women Illawarra General Manager Michelle Glasgow said community action remained essential to addressing violence against women.
“Reclaim the Night is an opportunity for our community to stand together and send a clear message that violence against women is never acceptable,” Ms Glasgow said.
“Every person who attends helps demonstrate that safety, respect and equality matter, and that we all have a role to play in creating positive change.”
Women, men, young people, families, local organisations and community leaders are welcome to join the march.
Ms Harvey said the message from Reclaim the Night needed to carry into everyday life, including how people respond when someone tells them they have experienced violence.
“Listening without judgment, taking someone seriously and supporting their choices can make a difference,” she said.
“So can speaking up when someone excuses harassment, blames a woman for the violence used against her or treats controlling behaviour as normal.
“We invite people to come along, walk with us and show women who have experienced violence that they have support in their community.”
Join Reclaim the Night at Andrew Lysaght Park, east of WIN Stadium, on Thursday, 29 October, from 6.15pm. The march to Wollongong Lighthouse starts at 6.45pm.
An accredited Auslan interpreter will be available.