Crowds take to Paisley High Street to ‘Reclaim the Night’

Crowds Participate in ‘Reclaim the Night’ March on Paisley High Street

Hundreds of individuals rallied in Paisley to advocate for an end to violence against women and girls during the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ march. The event saw a diverse group of participants including local residents, students, activists, and councillors, marching from the University of the West of Scotland down the High Street to Dunn Square. Two pipers led the procession, setting the tone for a powerful demonstration.

At Dunn Square, a poignant memorial service took place, where a wreath prepared by the Paisley Soroptimists was laid by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron to honour those lost to violence. The Starlight Rock Choir added a moving touch to the event with their performances. Following the march, attendees gathered at Paisley Town Hall for refreshments, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Reclaim the Night is part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by the United Nations and has been a longstanding tradition in Renfrewshire for 18 years. The event was orchestrated by Renfrewshire Council’s community learning and development team, alongside partners, support groups, and local campaigners, highlighting the collaborative effort in tackling gender-based violence.

Provost Cameron emphasised the importance of creating safer public spaces where individuals, particularly women and girls, do not have to alter their behaviours to avoid violence. She commended the growing attendance at the event, noting the unity among women, men, and youth marching together. The march served as a platform to vocalise the collective stance against all forms of violence and assault, asserting that such acts are intolerable.

The event concluded with a call-to-action for anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help through national helplines such as Scottish Domestic Abuse (0800 027 1234) and Abused Men in Scotland (03300 949 395), as well as the council’s Women and Children First team (0300 300 0345).

The ‘Reclaim the Night’ march in Paisley not only highlighted the community’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls but also underscored the significance of collective action in fostering a safer and more inclusive society. It served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality for all individuals.