As the nights get darker, several events across the region allow women and allies to come together to demand a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for all.
Five ‘Reclaim the Night’ events will be held across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield on Sunday 26 October.
The date marks the annual turning back of the clocks, a time that women and girls often report feeling vulnerable being in public spaces after dark.
This show of collective action follows the success of last year’s event in Huddersfield, which saw hundreds call for change and stand in solidarity against violence against women and girls.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “It’s unacceptable that women and girls feel they must change their behaviour or stay indoors when the nights draw in.
“Last year, hundreds of us stood together to say ‘enough is enough’, and demand better for women across West Yorkshire.
“This year, we’re holding events in each district on the same day, and I encourage everyone to join us, as we Reclaim the Night and make our region a safer, fairer place for all.”
The events vary slightly across West Yorkshire. In Bradford, there will be a walk through the city centre and a performance in Centenary Square. Calderdale will see important conversations take place at Shibden Park, as well as a walk through the historic grounds. In Kirklees, there will be family friendly activities and stalls with support services and information. Leeds will host a series of speeches outside Leeds Gallery before a walk through the city centre, and finally, in Wakefield, there will be a banner making workshop and vigil.
Wakefield’s event will launch another month of action, leading up to a second ‘Reclaim the Night’ occurring on 27 November.
West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, added: “Creating a safer West Yorkshire for women and girls takes all of us working together.
“These Reclaim the Night events show the power of partnership and collective action in challenging violence and building a region where everyone can feel safe, day or night.”
