Banner urges women and girls to reclaim the night
The 15 strong sewing group, Exploring Textiles, who meet weekly at the Folk in Gloucester, made the banner which is over two metres long, from recycled curtain lining, scrap fabrics, felt, and wool.
It will take pride of place at the march on Friday, November 28, supported by the county council and the five district councils, along with Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.
Members of the sewing group will also carry handmade pennant flags to raise awareness further.
Reclaim the Night is part of a national movement to highlight the issues around street safety for women and girls.
Inspired by the women’s marches in the USA, the first march in 1977 was a response to the advice given to women to stay home after dark following during the murders of serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe.
The event also marks the annual awareness campaign 16 Days of Activism, Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November until 10 December.
It draws the attention to the widespread issue of gender-based violence, which has seen a 37 percent increase between 2018-2023.
Seventy one percent of women also report having been harassed in a public space, while 86 percent of girls and young women have avoided going out after dark to stay safe.
Artist Ally Goff, who runs the Gloucester textile group, said: “The banner was inspired by the protest marching banners of the suffragettes and it was felt our design would make a bold statement, drawing attention to the walk.”
A free placard making drop-in for anyone wanting to join the march at which anyone is welcome, will be held on Saturday, November 22 at Jolt, Kings Square, from 10.30am - 2pm.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Gloucester City Council, said “Being creative by making placards and banners is a fun and eye- catching way to draw attention to what is a very serious message. Incidents of violence and sexual assault are rising against women and girls, and this is surely not the kind of society we want to raise our children in. I would urge everyone to think about what they can do to help spread the message that this is not acceptable and something we should tackle together.”
Gloucestershire Reclaim the Night takes places on Friday, November 28, at Kings Square at 6-6.30pm. From 6.30pm after the march there will be music and refreshments provided by Glos Soup project until 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome.
More information here