For girls and women, daily navigation through public space can be emotionally and physically exhausting. From a young age we learn that being a woman in public means somehow your body is public property.

Being a woman in public means being worried about my safety.

Being a woman in public means being concerned about whether or not a man will try to touch me inappropriately.

Being a woman in public means looking over my shoulder, making sure I am not being followed.

Being a woman in public means trying to find busy streets that are well lit, when walking home and not walking alone at night.

Being a woman in public means being taught to carry a whistle or think of keys as a weapon.

Being a woman in public means that I experience all these things and then I have to deal with the fact that many men do not consider these concerns as legitimate.

But we resist.

Women all over the world resist every day.

Take Back the Night is one way women have resisted and protested against harassment, rape and sexual violence that women experience. Beginning in the early 1970s several events including marches, rallies and vigils are held as protest and action against rape and sexual violence. Each year events take place in many countries, including Canada, as a form of resistance to violence against women. This year in Vancouver, Take Back the Night will happen on September 18th.

Upcoming Take Back the Night Events in Canada

Friday, September 18

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1658263354419042/

Brockville, Ontario

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1626365284284939/

Calgary, Alberta

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1640248259525367/

Vancouver, British Columbia

https://www.facebook.com/TakeBackTheNightVancouverSept18?fref=ts

Thursday, September 24

Cornwall, Ontario

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/763541710459346/

Penticton, British Columbia

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/892102397509720/

Saturday, September 26

Brandon, Manitoba

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1632394907038346/

Wednesday, October 7

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/TakeBackTheNightVancouverSept18?fref=ts