Wellington women, children and others will take to the streets tonight for the ‘Reclaim the Night March'. The long-running international event asserts women's right to feel safe at night. “By marching, we are letting the world know that violence against women, children, transgender and intersex people is unacceptable, and all should be allowed to live their lives without fear,” said Felicity Perry, spokesperson for Wellington Reclaim the Night. “Most women have felt unsafe at night; whether it be on the streets, in their homes, at work, or at a social event. For many the threat of violence is real,” says Perry. ”The amount of violence in New Zealand is shocking. In the three months between November 2005 to January 2006, six women were killed by their partners or ex-partners. On average, ten children are killed per year by a member or members of their family. This brutality has got to stop.” Marchers should meet at Waitangi Park at 8.30pm. The march will go through Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. The after party will be at Our Bar at 201 Cuba Street, with light refreshments, a safe space to talk, and live music. Performers include: DJ Shanaenae; Poodles in Flames, Misteek, Ange and Linda Joy. Men are asked not to come to any part of this event. “We ask them to support Reclaim the Night by respecting women's need to organise independently against violence,” says Perry. Ref: The Wellingtonian, Aotearoa IMC (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 23rd November 2006 - 12:00pm