Wednesday 08-03-2023 - 16:46

On the evening of Tuesday 7th of March, the streets of Bangor were filled with voices calling for an end to gender-based violence, as Undeb Bangor, Bangor Students' Union hosted their annual 'Reclaim the Night' march.

The event, which began at the Clock Tower, with a powerful speech from Nyah Lowe, Undeb Bangor President, saw a large group of students, staff, Sabbatical Officers and members of the community come together to march through the city centre, chanting and holding banners with powerful messages against sexual harassment, assault and spiking. Catrin Wager, Plaid Cymru Arfon Policy Officer & Candidate (Westminster), who was joined by councillors Beca Roberts, Llio Elenid, and Beca Brown, addressed the issue of hate in her impactful speech. Despite progress made in recent years towards greater equality and acceptance, the reality of hate continues to exist amongst us in 2023.

The speech highlighted the importance of acknowledging this reality and working together to create a more inclusive and accepting world for all. It is crucial that we stand up against hate in all its forms, whether it be discrimination against immigrants or violence against trans individuals, and promote a culture of tolerance and understanding. The speech was a call to action for all to do their part in creating a more just and equitable society. The march exists to demand justice for victims of rape and sexual assault. It will state that women should be able to walk the streets at night, without fear or reality of sexual violence. Such marches thereby give women a chance to reclaim the streets of their towns and cities. Reclaim the Night began in Leeds, in 1977, as a response to women in West Yorkshire being advised to stay indoors, due to murders carried out by the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’.

Undeb Bangor's President, Nyah Lowe, said, "Reclaim the Night is an important event that gives people the opportunity to come together to take a stand against gender-based violence. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, and this march is a way for us to show our solidarity with those who have experienced sexual harassment or assault."

"We're pleased to have seen such a great turnout for the march," said Lowe. "It's important that we continue to raise awareness of the issue and work towards creating a safer community for all. We hope that this event will help to spark further conversations and actions towards ending gender-based violence."

Undeb Bangor is committed to promoting equality and diversity and works tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Bangor University community. For more information about Undeb Bangor and their commitment to ending gender-based violence, visit their website at www.undebbangor.com.