to think there should be an MN presence at Reclaim the Night?

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

On 27th November the annual Reclaim the Night march takes place in London. AIBU to think it'd be great to have a bunch of MNers (possibly with banner) walking together?

Details here

"A recent survey by the young women?s magazine More in 2005 found that 95% of women don?t feel safe on the streets at night, and 65% don?t even feel safe during the day. 73% worry about being raped and almost half say they sometimes don?t want to go out because they fear for their own safety.

In every sphere of life we negotiate the threat or reality of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. We cannot claim equal citizenship while this threat restricts our lives as it does. We demand the right to use public space without fear. We demand this right as a civil liberty, we demand this as a human right.

The Reclaim The Night march gives women a voice and a chance to reclaim the streets at night on a safe and empowering event. We aim to put the issue of our safety on the agenda for this night and every day."

AIBU?

Can I ask what would have to happen for this march to be considered a success?

its individual decision,as mn is individuals not a pressure group or political party

but certainly individuals should be emboldened and participate in activities.

but dont agree with a mn banner as such,as it isnt representative of all mn

and arguably one could say mn should attend many marches with banner - but the contentious bit is which marches eg pro-life would not draw unanimity of response

dont like premise of "offical mn group" as it isnt necessarily representative,and has not canvassed opinion on what marches to represent mn at

I've heard there's a march on the Isle of Wight too, 25th November. Starts 7pm, St Thomas' Square, Newport.

This march is pointless, it will achieve absolutely nothing

That's the spirit, medetre :o

Nothing ever changes if you don't try. I was reading about the Married Women's Property Act the other day - what a surprise that it was mainly groups of women campaigning and lobbying that got that introduced. No doubt people thought that would achieve nothing too. What are you doing to improve these things, out of interest?

Cheers for input scottish - you're probably right. Need some kind of identifier though.

TSH - you'll be relieved to hear that I'm not such a slow walker that going on RTN will prevent me from speaking to the council, haranguing chatting to my MP etc AS WELL. Good eh?

Werdator - I see it on three levels really (hope you're sitting down :o). Personally, if it gives the women on the march (and the men on the supporting demo) a sense of strength, determination, confidence, and also practical help, advice and contacts to enable them to continue their work/recovery, that is great. Most feminists and groups that help women are pretty isolated from one another and this a chance to meet up. Publicly, the more people see, hear and learn about RTN and its aims, the better. Politically, a success for me would be if we made enough fuss/noise for the government to look again at how to improve services for women, and the treatment of women who report crimes. There is still no 24 hour phoneline for rape victims to call, for instance. Considering that 1000s of women are victims of rape every week this is pretty piss poor IMO. Heard a story once about a politician saying "if you want something done, you have to MAKE us do it" - i.e. make the clamour so loud that it can no longer be ignored. This is part of that.

imo,not a mn banner or logo as your arent representing mn or necessarily representative of range of opinions

however i actually believe political agitation and action are worthwhile.and on individual level the act of participation can feel emboldening

however i also accept that one person fervent cause is a yawnathon to someone else

and no amount of banging on changes anyone else mind

I am absolutely PMSL here at Daftpunk's rabidness.

You are so unintionally entertaining DP.