The University of Sheffield has announced a 2 week programme which will run alongside the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence campaign.
To begin the campaign, the University will be taking part in the Reclaim the Night March, which will be taking place on Saturday 27th, beginning at 6pm At Sheffield Cathedral. A rally will then take place at 7pm at the Students’ Union.
The University’s Students Union said: “We are taking these 16 days to gather, learn and demand change.”
16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence is a campaign that was created by the United Nations to challenge violence against women and girls. It runs every year around November 25th, the International for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, which is Human rights day.
The University’s Students’ Union said: “These events are not isolated, but are a part of a pattern of gendered violence which we urgently need to end.”
These events follow the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, events that led to national conversation regarding the safety of women.
It was also revealed this year that 97% of women aged between 18-24 have been sexually harassed.
For those who feel unsafe joining the March, the University has also organised a Reclaim the Space campaign where people are encouraged to take pictures of themselves in places where they feel unsafe to claim back the area and to show solidarity with victims.
All students are welcome to join any of the events. For more information visit https://su.sheffield.ac.uk/16days .
Image: Reclaim the Night 2019, credit: Forge Press