We believe that, women, trans and non-binary people and those presenting as female, have the right to walk the streets at night without the fear of sexual and gendered violence. We want to protest against the stigma surrounding rape and sexual assault, the victim-blaming that goes alongside this and make our thoughts known on the appalling rape conviction rate in Scotland.

Information about gender-based violence

*Warning: This content contains information about sexual assault and gender-based violence which may be triggering to survivors. You can find available support should you need it on the Union website*

GBV is a form and function of gender inequality (from ScotGov & UN definition). It can include, but is not limited to harassment, rape and sexual assault, and domestic abuse. It can also manifest in insults, intimidating behaviour, and abusing positions of trust.

Global estimates published by the World Health Organisation in 2021 indicate that about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

If you are a Strathclyde student and want to find out more about gender based violence, you can complete this short Introduction to GBV course on MyPlace – we encourage all students to complete this course. 

Important Information

View the march route which starts at Kelvingrove Park and finishes at Buchanan Steps.

Download chant sheet 

The march will include a group of stewards who volunteer their time to greet people arriving at the gathering point, answer questions about the march and its route, and direct the foot flow. They will also be responsible for spotting health and safety concerns and reporting these to the Lead Organiser and ensuring that those people who are affected by GBV have the chance to be heard and have space granted to them where they may not normally.

Become a steward 

Timings

• 6 pm – gather at the Eldon Street entrance to Kelvingrove Park
• 6.20 pm – start the march
• ~ 6.50 pm *5 minutes rest at Blytheswood Square
• 7.30 pm – Arrive at Buchanan Steps
• 7:45 pm – Disperse to Strath Union (51 Richmond St) or elsewhere. 

At the end of the march, there will be a short rally at the Buchanan Steps. Attendees are then invited to come back to Strath Union for our after-event gathering at Strath Union. We will also be have information available from representatives from a number of different organisations.

Inclusion at Fight for the Night

Whilst recognising that GBV affects all genders, it particularly affects women, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people and is disproportionally perpetrated by men.  

Throughout the march, we want to ensure that those people who are affected by GBV have the chance to be heard and have space granted to them where they may not normally.  

We will also have a break on the march to allow for rest and we will move at a slow walking pace. If you wish to join the march later on the route, you are welcome to - you can also leave whenever you would like to. 

Safety Precautions

It will be cold and has the potential to be wet - please wear appropriate footwear and layers, including waterproofs if necessary. The lighting in the park is limited, so it's advisable to bring a torch or phone with a light - we will also be providing some torches at the event. 

Before and after the march, please make sure that you get home safely. Kelvingrove and the Buchanan Steps are both near several public transport options - we would also recommend travelling with others if possible. If you are getting a taxi home at the end of the event you are welcome to come to Strath Union and wait there. 

Photography Notice

We will have photographers at the march. Our photographers will be wearing orange hi-vis vests. They’ve been instructed to do their best to avoid taking photos where people can be identified unless we have consent. If you would not like to appear in any photos, please make yourself known to one of the photographers. If you are taking photos for your own social media, you should not include faces in an identifiable way, unless you know the people and/or have sought their consent. Please tag Strath Union in your posts as well!