Reclaim the Night

As part of 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, WOW Rotherham is taking back the streets. 

Working with local businesses and venues, we will light up the town centre and celebrate our high street. Expect joy, hope, and inspiration. Free for all ages and all genders.

Reclaim the Night has been prominent in cities and towns across the UK for nearly five decades. Its initial message in the 1970s was the rage and anger that women felt about being given curfews in response to severe violence against women and girls. These reactions are still prevalent today, as women show their fury at having to take extra measures to ensure their own safety within their daily lives.

Before the walk, make eye-catching flower crowns with Melissa Holdsworth, poetic badges and magical wish wands with the team from Grimm & Co., and create decoupage lanterns you can display during the parade with artist Jordanna Farrimond. The activities will be all be enjoyed alongside uplifting music from singer Ella Walker and live poetry, speeches and spoken words from Sophia James, Nell Attwood and young people from Rotherham. Arrive early before the walk to visit Grimm & Co. and be transported into a world of wonder and enchantment to take part in free family workshops.

The walk will start outside Rotherham Town Hall at 6pm. We’ll parade through our town centre and celebrate the women of Rotherham for the 11th year running. Opening the walk will be Neighbourhood Voices, a contemporary secular choir of women, trans and non-binary singers.

This year sees the return of striking banners created by Jenna Greenwood. The banners will be paraded during the walk, you might get the opportunity to carry one!

Join us after the walk at 7pm for a panel discussion proudly featuring remarkable local women who are
leading and inspiring in their respective fields. These women are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. Their stories and insights will offer a powerful reminder of the impact of representation, resilience and leadership in shaping safer, more inclusive communities.

This year's panel includes: creative coach and consultant Auriel Majumdar; rugby league player Lisa Parker; comedian and actor Joanna Mason (The Yorkshire Wife); and Harriet Bowen, Community Development Worker at Mesmac.