Moray hosts its first Reclaim the Night march to combat gender-based violence

Hundreds march in Elgin to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence

On a chilly day, hundreds gathered at the Elgin Plainstones, marking a significant moment in Moray’s history with its first-ever Reclaim the Night march. This event, which originated in Leeds during the late 1970s as part of the Women’s Liberation Movement, aims to unite communities in the fight against gender-based violence. The march serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to reclaim public spaces for everyone, free from harm and harassment.

Community solidarity against gender-based violence

The Moray Violence Against Women and Girls partnership, which includes organizations such as Moray Rape Crisis and Moray Women’s Aid, played a pivotal role in organizing this impactful event. The timing was intentional, coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This strategic alignment underscores the urgency and importance of addressing these critical issues within the community.

Marching through Elgin despite the elements

Despite the rain and cold weather, participants braved the elements, marching through the town center, across Cooper Park, and back to the Plainstones. The event saw enthusiastic participation from various groups, including the Highlands and Islands Student Association, who contributed by creating placards to amplify their messages. This collective effort highlights the community’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around gender-based violence.

A powerful moment for Moray

Caroline Burrell, manager at Moray Rape Crisis, expressed her optimism about the event, stating, “It feels like a really powerful moment for Moray.” She emphasized the importance of community engagement in raising awareness about gender-based violence, hoping that this march will pave the way for future events. The march attracted a diverse crowd, including families with young children and even dogs, showcasing the widespread concern for this pressing issue.

Fiona Lochhead, a participant in the march, echoed the sentiment that discussing gender-based violence is crucial. “This is an issue that sometimes gets covered with shame and people don’t want to talk about it. But it’s important to talk about because it’s a reality,” she remarked. The event concluded at St. Giles Church, where attendees could explore information stalls and hear from speakers, including local councillors and representatives from advocacy organizations.

As Moray takes this significant step towards addressing gender-based violence, the hope is that this march will not only raise awareness but also inspire ongoing conversations and actions within the community.