HUNDREDS of women are set to march through Scotland’s biggest city tonight in protest against rape and other gender-based violence.
A march will leave Glasgow Green for the University of Strathclyde at 7pm tonight as part of a series of Reclaim the Night actions across the UK.
The event, which coincides with the UN Day to End Violence Against Women, has been organised by students groups in the city in collaboration with NUS Scotland, and will raise funds for Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre.
Angela Alexander, NUS Scotland women’s officer, said: “You don’t have to look far to see stories in the news about women falling victim to gender-based violence, and that’s before you consider the number of incidents that go unreported for a variety of reasons.
“That’s why Reclaim the Night is so important and that’s why I’d encourage as many women and non-binary gender people as possible to join us.
“We won’t just be marching for our rights, but also for all those who can’t be with us because they’ve been silenced and shamed by the very crimes we’re marching against.
“We’ll be marching in Glasgow to demand justice for all survivors of rape and sexual assault, and demand the right to walk through our streets at night without walking in fear.”
“We need to see politicians taking these issues seriously, ensuring an end the status quo where a fraction of sexual assault cases even make it to court, and providing our vital services with sufficient funding so that the women who do fall victim to these crime have the support they desperately need.
“I’d encourage any women and non-binary gender people who want to make our streets safer and get justice for survivors of rape and sexual assault to join us on Friday, and make sure that our voice is heard loud and clear.”
Meanwhile, women will gather at the Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh at 3pm tomorrow to discussion gender-based violence where panelists will include Mridul Wadhwa of the city’s Shakti Women’s Aid.
At 6pm, Fight For The Night, a rally and march against gender violence will meet on the Royal Mile by Cockburn Street before marching around the centre of the capital to the Grassmarket.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here