Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online

By Ruth Hudson

Thursday 23^rd February marks the special time of the month where Reclaim the Night returns to the city with a march from Owen’s Park to The University of Manchester’s Student Union.

Reclaim the Night gives our community the opportunity to get together and stand in unison in protest against sexual violence, sexual harassment and assault.

Women’s Officer and event organizer Jenni Smyth said, “Reclaim the Night Manchester is about bringing together communities to march against all forms of violence towards women.”

Jenni urges that during recent events in terms of elections, particularly in light of Donald Trump and his outspoken misogyny, it will be an event about bringing women together.

She adds, “Reclaim the Night is a movement throughout the year. It isn’t just about one night on the street. This year we want to get the whole of Manchester involved, getting the local community involved, it’s out city, our streets and we’re taking them back.”

The charity began in 1970’s in Leeds, in response to the Yorkshire Ripper. Police set a curfew on women to 9’o clock permitting women not to walk the streets alone after that time. So, a candle lit Virgil was held for a night to reclaim the streets of the city.

Once the march reaches the UoM Student Union, attendees will be invited to gather in the car park next to the Contact Theatre where there will be a special guest speaker and a line up ,which is yet to be announced.

Mia Shepard and Anna Webster Michaux from MMU Feminist Society said the Manchester Met block is going to be as inclusive as possible.

Manchester Met students and staff will meet ahead of the march from 5:30pm at Font, Fallowfield for final preparations. Face-painting and sign-making will be on offer, with donations going to Manchester Rape Crisis Centre.

For too long, sexual violence has existed in student communities as an accepted consequence of walking home alone at night. Relish this as an opportunity to take back control of YOUR streets, amidst the vibrancy of a non-violent march.

Event details

Manchester Met Pre-March Meet at 5:30pm, Font (Fallowfield)

Join Humanity Hallows and MMU Fem Soc as we prepare to Reclaim the Night. There’ll be face painting, last minute sign-making and fundraising for Manchester Rape Crisis.

March 7pm, Owen’s Park, Fallowfield

How can you get involved?

Banner & lantern making session
February 20 @ The Union MMU / UoM Student Union

Bring your banner ideas, your friends, and most importantly, your voice. Join the official ‘MMU at Reclaim the Night’ group, where you’ll find details soon on the next banner making sessions on February 20.

Official merchandise

Show your support and buy your Reclaim The Night t-shirts from UoM’s Union Shop for just £10. All profits go to local sexual and domestic violence services.

Women’s Self Defence Classes
Fridays @ Sugden Sports Centre

In the run up to the night, MMU Fem Soc have partnered up with the Women’s Self Defence class, which runs 18:15pm-19:15pm at Sugden Sports Centre on Fridays! It’s free and would be a great opportunity not to be missed. These sessions are open to those who self-identify as women and those who identify as non-binary.

Report on the night

You can also get involved by joining Humanity Hallows magazine’s student media team. We’re looking for passionate students to help us document the night. If you are interested in taking part and supporting our team with photography, filming, social media, or reporting, drop us a message and become part of the team.

If you would like to get involved directly with Reclaim the Night, or receive more information, check out the official Facebook page or contact Jenni.smyth@manchester.ac.uk