The first Take Back the Night event happened back in 1975 when a group of people from Philadelphia rallied together in response to the stabbing of a young woman, who was a microbiologist, as she was walking home in the dark. A year later, in Brussels, Belgium, the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women was held. Since then, there have been countless events around the world.
What happens during a Take Back the Night event? Well, at PC it went like this: we gathered in a large room that was in complete darkness, with a microphone at the front. There were no chairs, but everyone brought their own blankets and pillows to sit on. And of course there was food for everyone. After a quick introduction, the microphone was open to anyone who wanted to come up and speak about her personal experience with sexual violence. It's all about telling your story and making your voice heard. The event also had counselors available for anyone who needed them.
Take Back the Night first became an organization in 2001. There has been much progress in raising awareness about sexual violence against women and there have also been many women who have spoken public about their experiences. Of course, though, there is still much work to be done. This kind of violence not only happens in the real world, but is also constantly portrayed in our media, including movies, music, and TV.
It was truly a great event, and I encourage any of you that are able to go to one, to go. Women have been keeping silent about the sexual violence that they have suffered for too long. Both the Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night are about raising awareness and making women's voices heard. It's the only way that we'll be able to make a change.
If you're interested in the Take Back the Night organization, check out their website.
Stay tuned for post just about women and violence soon!
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