18 November 2004

Wellington Women March Against Rape and Violence

Wellington women will march against rape and violence on Friday November 19. The annual Women Reclaim the Night march will meet at Manners Mall at 8 pm and we will march through the streets of Wellington together to draw attention to the fact that women feel unsafe to walk the streets alone.

“Women are constantly told that it isnt safe for us to walk alone at night. However the majority of violent attacks on women happen in their home, not on the street. We are marching to reclaim Wellington streets as a space where women can feel safe, and also to challenge the myths that surround rape and sexual violence. It is also an opportunity to honour the victims of violence and abuse.” says Lenka Rochford, one of the organisers.

The march will be followed by a party at Blue Note Bar featuring women performers including punk band Five Dollar Fee, rap duo The Heretics, rock n roll group The Blow Up Dolls, and poet Amelia Herrero-Kidman. Rochford describes the party as “a celebration of womens strength and creativity. Its a chance to meet new women, talk about our experiences and offer each other support.”

All women, children, transgender and intersex people are invited to join the march, men are asked not to attend. This is a women only event to challenge the belief that women need men for protection. Men are asked to support this event by respecting womens need to organise independently against violence.

ENDS

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