‘We will not be silenced’: Hundreds march through Manchester for Reclaim the Night’s 50th anniversary

The annual Reclaim the Night rally brought hundreds of students and supporters marching through Manchester to campaign for women’s safety and an end to violence against women.

On Thursday 12th November, Reclaim the Night march returned for its 50th anniversary, bringing together students from across the city’s universities to raise awareness of harassment, gender-based violence and safety at night.

The march began at the University of Manchester’s (UoM) student union, passing through Manchester Metropolitan University’s campus before reaching Castlefield Bowl, where crowds gathered for speeches.

Reclaim the Night marches were first held in Leeds in 1977 following the Yorkshire Ripper murders, after women were advised by police to stay at home to reduce their risk of attack.

The demonstrations were a rejection of the idea that women should alter their behaviours to stay safe rather than examining the attitudes that make women feel unsafe. 

The movement later spread across the UK, with marches now taking place in cities across the country.

Speaking at this year’s Manchester rally, Camille, president of Pole Fitness Society said:

“We have every right to take up space,” questioning how women can feel empowered if they “cannot guarantee their safety.”

“We refuse to accept that fear should be part of being a woman,” she continued.

Sam Stretch, the chair of Resist Rape Culture, called for greater accountability: “Letters of apology do not equate to accountability,”

He called on men to take an active role in challenging gender-based violence, stating:

“It is our duty to the people around us to take accountability, stay educated, and stand up as feminists.”

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Representatives from UoM’s Sapphic Society and Queer Film Society spoke against what they described as ongoing “culture wars”, calling for solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

“We will not be silenced,” they asserted.

The three aims of Reclaim this year focused on safer journeys homes, trans-inclusive support and zero tolerance for gender based violence in universities. 

Organisers called for universities to improve reporting and survivor support and for Manchester’s local authorities to condemn the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

Erin Wilson, a student at the University of Salford who attended the march, said:

“The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and it was so lovely to see so many people coming together for the same cause.” 

According to data collected, one in 8 women experience domestic abuse, stalking or sexual assault with 3.2 million women experiencing this violence in the year ending March 2025.

The figures provided wider context to discussions around gender-based violence and the safety of women in public spaces.

Grace Hollingsworth, an officer of UoM’s Feminist Collective, ended the night stating:

“So if there is one thing I ask of you tonight, is to refuse to let go of that momentum, that hope, that energy, whatever it is that drives you to continue fighting with us.

Because tonight’s march is only the beginning of a year-long campaign and we need you to join us to make our demands a reality.”