Reclaim the Night

YWCA Yorkshire is a member of one of the oldest women’s organisation's in the world. On Saturday 23 November 2024, the charity team will be joining Sheffield Students Union and community groups from across the city for the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ march. 

Reclaim the Night started in Leeds in 1977 as part of the Women's Liberation Movement. Forty-seven years later and the march continues to draw support from women, girls and marginalised gender groups demanding safer streets for all. 

According to Sheffield Student's Union, organisers of this year’s march, the main aims of the 2024 Sheffield Reclaim the Night activity, are to fight for increased street lighting, and improved services for those who experience sexual assault and harassment. 

YWCA Yorkshire Peile House Project Manager, Claire Harding, will be speaking at this year’s post-march vigil, and has praised the work of the Student's Union, in bringing the city together to raise awareness. 

Claire said; “Supporting women has been my lifelong mission, and over the years, I’ve witnessed how women’s struggles have evolved. Yet, despite progress in some areas – like increased reporting - many issues remain deeply ingrained in our society. I'm grateful to the Students Union and partners from across the city who are shining a light on the continued dangers faced by women and girls in our communities.”  

YWCA Yorkshire provides housing and wrap-around support services across South Yorkshire, working with over 250 women, children and families in Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield. Peile House is YWCA Yorkshire’s homeless hostel in the north of Sheffield - supporting young women who are homeless. 

In Sheffield alone, the statistics of violence against women and girls are staggering. In the past year 11,922 women have reported domestic abuse, and 10,383 incidents of sexual harassment were reported by young women aged 16 to 24. The disproportionately high levels of sexual violence against young adults (aged 19-14), makes this a priority issue for safeguarding authorities and campaigners in the city. 

Peile House directly supports vulnerable young women aged 16 to 25.  They are often young people who are in crisis. Survivors of complex trauma, the women that arrive at Peile House can present with social withdrawal, aggression, unpredictable behaviour, self-harm and substance abuse.  

YWCA Yorkshire provides a safe, non-judgmental space with dedicated support from inclusive, compassionate and expert Project Workers. The women living at Peile House have access to essential health services like condoms and pregnancy tests as well as mental health professionals who work with the women to process their trauma. 

Claire adds; “We envision a future where fewer women need our services because they live in communities where violence and exploitation are no longer tolerated. This vision, and our belief that together we can make a long-lasting impact, is what drives us. Solidarity for the Reclaim the Night movement is one of the ways people can express their support for vulnerable groups, and I hope to see people from all walks of life join us on the 23rd of November.” 

Supporters of Reclaim the Night should gather at Sheffield Cathedral, Church St. S1 1HA at 5.45 on Saturday 23 November 2024. The march will begin at 6:15pm, finishing at 7:00pm at the University of Sheffield Students’ Union concourse. There will be one minute's silence to show respect for those who have lost their lives because of gender-based violence.