Home
Photo by Torrans Mayorquin on Pexels
← Back

Marching Towards Liberation: Reclaim the Night Dundee 2021

Throughout the year's winter months, Scotland's streets echo with the footsteps of hundreds of protestors, united in a fervent call for systemic change. 

The 'Reclaim the Night March' traces its roots back to the 1970s in Leeds, where a pioneering feminist society took to the streets to decry rampant sexual harassment, spurred by the terror of the Yorkshire Ripper attacks. Over the decades, scores of activists have tirelessly championed the cause, yet the frustration of Dundee locals remains palpable as they find themselves still grappling for the fundamental right to safety.

On the cold and dark evening of November 25th 2021, an unassuming night in the City of Discovery transformed into a powerful testament of solidarity. Slowly, but steadily, over 500 individuals congregated outside the Caird Hall at the heart of the city. All were united by a singular purpose: to partake in the annual Reclaim the Night March, organized by the Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WRASAC). Men, women, and children lent their voices to a cacophony of resounding noise that reverberated throughout the city streets—a poignant tribute to the countless victims of gender-based violence silenced by circumstance. Amidst the fervour, chants of 'Who's streets? Our streets!' echoed loudly, a defiant proclamation of the public's unwavering determination to resist silence and reclaim their rightful spaces.

As the crowd approached The McManus Art Gallery, a stirring tableau unfolded. A sea of individuals, each bearing their painted signs high, ascended the steps of the historic building, transforming it into a living canvas of activism. From here, the march pressed onward, a determined procession bound for Dundee's Bonar Hall, its final destination. Inside, amidst its hallowed walls, feminists took to the stage, their voices resounding with passion and purpose as they delivered speeches and recited poignant poetry. Their message was unequivocal: the right to safety in public spaces is an inalienable one, particularly for women navigating the streets at night.

This event was not merely a local endeavour; it was launched with the United Nations Women's '16 Days of Activism' campaign, a global initiative spanning from November 25th to December 10th. Each passing day of this initiative serves as a symbolic step forward in the ongoing battle against gender-based violence. 

Lesley McGee and Steph MacIntosh hosted the information stall for the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership to deliver awareness of this campaign. 

They stated, “All our events are open to all members of the public and every community in Dundee. This is everyone’s issue”.

It is claimed on the UN Women’s website, “Nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime. In times of crises, the numbers rise, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help”.

Reflecting on the walk itself, an overwhelming image replayed in my mind whilst listening to the stories of the women around me. It wasn't just the youngest generation involved in the movement that night; the city’s older citizens showed their support by spurring them on. They appeared in windows above the marchers, shadowy figures smiling down and waving as the crowd took their final steps. This was a poignant reminder of the women who suffered before us—the women who could not exercise their freedom of expression, who sought help but found none, and those who were killed simply for walking alone.

Saarah Mehmood, a law student at Dundee University, volunteered to speak after the march to represent her generation. Mehmood passionately criticized the government’s lack of involvement in addressing gender-based violence, stating, “How can we free ourselves from the system they created? We need systematic change!” This outcry was prompted by the tragic death of Sarah Everard, who was kidnapped and murdered by a London Metropolitan Police Officer in March of this year.

Mehmood highlighted the Metropolitan Police's advice to women, suggesting they flag down bus drivers in potentially dangerous situations. She pointed out that this advice implies a failure to guarantee protection. Her parting words resonated with anger and frustration, as she declared, “Let’s reclaim the night, because I am exhausted.”

Despite being an emotional topic for many attendees, the evening was surprisingly empowering. As marchers entered the hall, songs like Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ and Destiny’s Child's ‘Independent Woman’ filled the air. Even a local singer, Demi McMahon, performed powerful hits between speakers, enhancing the energetic atmosphere. Though the room was predominantly filled with strangers, there was a shared sense of support and safety amongst all present.

However, there were understandably several people in the crowd who were sensitive to the emotional impact of the conversations. A young girl standing next to me in the audience struggled to hold back tears as a group formed to talk with Linda McDonald.

In 2017, Linda was attacked by a convicted murderer on license from prison in Dundee’s Clatto Woods while she walked her dog. She is an advocate for changes in the current system and campaigns for high-risk offenders in Scotland not to be released from prison if the risks are too large.

As she distributed one of her flyers, she approached us and said, “Thank you so much, girls. It means a lot to me to see younger people showing their support. I have a young granddaughter who was almost with me that day, and I want to prevent others from facing the risk of similar trauma.”

Desperation strained her voice, and a pained look covered her face as she stated, “The system is broken, and I am going to die trying to fight it.”

Speaking with Sophie Gwyther, one of the organizers at WRASAC, she commented on the event’s success, stating, “It was a fantastic turnout.”

According to their website, WRASAC of Dundee and Angus is a specialist agency 'providing free and confidential trauma-informed support services to women and young people'. Although the centre is predominantly staffed by female workers and volunteers, they are planning to create support services for young men who are victims of similar crimes. This was reflected in the attendees of the march, as there was a significant number of men who joined the protest.

One of them was Sharroz Hussain, who volunteered to give a speech post protest. Speaking publicly, he said, "I believe that feminism is not only key in addressing women's issues but also vital in raising awareness of issues faced by men, such as stigmas around mental health."

“The fight for equality and for greater social progress when it comes to the right of women is a fight that must be shared by men. Many women have inspired me to be a better man”.

In the wake of widespread discussion this year about sexual harassment, Police Scotland launched a campaign called "Don't be that guy." Its aim is to reduce sexual crimes toward women by urging men to have discussions about their attitudes and behaviour, and to confront 'lad culture'. The 60-second video went viral on Twitter, receiving over 2 million views.

Solidarity, not sympathy.

This brings forward some of the stigmas surrounding rape culture which were written on marchers’ signs, such as "Keep your location on," signifying how many women fear they might not make it home safely on a night out. Similarly, "My little black dress does NOT mean yes" serves as a reminder that clothes cannot be a signal of consent. One phrase stood out amongst the sound of shrieking whistles and the sight of sequined banners - “solidarity, not sympathy". 

Too often, victims of gender-based violence are met with sympathy as a form of recognition regarding their trauma. Witnessing happiness amidst serious activism illustrates what needs to change to truly aid survivors and prevent further damage. This change starts with everyday actions and shifts in social mentality. Additionally, it's equally crucial to actively listen to everyone around you.

As a fitting end to the event, the perfectly cliché song 'Don’t Stop Believin’' by Journey boomed out through the hall’s sound system, while the last remaining people dispersed from the room. 

In times of desperation, hope is essential for recovery.
The Reclaim the Night movement embodies this hope, and every participant contributes to the recovery of a society weighed down by gender-based violence.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, please reach out to:

  1. National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK):
  2. Rape Crisis Scotland:
  3. Scottish Women's Aid:
  4. The Men's Advice Line (UK):
  5. Survivors UK (Support for male survivors of rape and sexual abuse):
  6. Galop (Support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing hate crime, domestic abuse, and sexual violence):

    © [Skye McCord] [2021]. All rights reserved.