Picture credit – Madeeha Kanwal.
Students from Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside joined other students across the city at Strathclyde University’s Take Back the Night walk on Thursday 28th of November.
The event was hosted by the Strathclyde Students Union to make a stand against sexual violence and gender-based violence.
It started at at around 6:00pm at the Eldon Street entrance to Kelvingrove Park, before making its way into the west end and the back again into the city centre where it concluded at Buchanan (Street) Steps, where a short rally was held.
The message was clear – everyone has the right to feel safe – day or night, on campus or in the wider community.
Nearly 300 people came together to demand safer communities, the urgency of the issue became even more clear when looking at Scotland’s national picture.
Madeeha Kanwal (right) taking part in the march.
Sauchiehall Street. Pic credit – Madeeha Kanwal.
Recent Scottish Government statistics show that sexual crimes have risen sharply since 2010- 2011 and are now at their second highest levels since records began in 1971. This upward trend highlights exactly why events like Take Back The Night remains so essential.
Although the statistics may be stark, these events remind us that raising awareness and coming together as communities highlight the need for change. Alongside the demand for safer streets, safer campuses and a future free from gender-based violence.
Events connected to the 16 days of activism.
The Take Back The Night walk is one of several activities taking place across Glasgow as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, a global campaign that begins each year on the 25th of November the (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and runs until 10 of December (Human Rights Day). During this period, colleges, universities, charities and community groups across the city will host various events.
The Glasgow Colleges Student Association confirmed their participation as part of an ongoing commitment to supporting students affected by harassment, assault or unsafe behaviour.
Glasgow Colleges Student President Madeeha Kanwal said: “Glasgow Clyde College is proud to be partnering with Strathclyde University for this year’s Take Back The Night walk. Events like this are crucial, as they raise awareness, empower survivors and remind us of all that safety and dignity are rights that belong to everyone. Our involvement highlights the importance of solidarity and the significance it brings to the greater Glasgow community.“
In support of the 16 Days the students association will be involved in in various events/activities raising awareness of the impacts of Gender Based Violence in our communities.
Please see below for activity taking place (these are internal and external) :
| Event / Activity | When | Where |
| ‘Where Does it Stop’ Film Screening | Wednesday 3rd December 3.00pm – 4.00pm | Large lecturer theatre , Cardonald Campus |
| White Ribbon Station Day | Thursday 4th December -1.00pm – 5.00pm | Central Station & Queen Street Station |
| ‘Where Does it Stop’ Film Screening | Friday 5th December – 11.00am – 12 noon | Langside Campus, Innovation Centre |
| Emily Test Awareness Stall | Monday 8th December 12 noon until 1.00pm | Langside Campus , Canteen area |
| Gender Based Violence Vigil | Monday 8th December 6.00pm – 7.00pm | University of Glasgow Chapel |
| White Ribbon Awareness Stall | TBC | Anniesland Campus , main corridor |
If you would like further information on any of the events / activities listed above please contact studentassocation@glasgowclyde.ac.uk
