We’re inviting you to take part in a powerful and important event — Reclaim The Night.
Reclaim The Night is a formidable demonstration demanding an end to gender-based violence and the right for women and girls to feel safe on the streets after dark. The event has been organised in collaboration with the Race Equality Network, University of Bradford, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“Reclaim the Night has a proud history dating back to the 1970s, when women first took to the streets in the UK to protest sexual violence, harassment, and the policing of women’s freedom at night. Decades on, the movement remains as urgent as ever.” States Yasmin Khan, CEO, Staying Put Group.
“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe; in Bradford, across West Yorkshire, and beyond, no matter the time of day, what they’re wearing, or where they’re walking,”
“Reclaim the Night is about solidarity, visibility, and demanding real, lasting change to end harassment and violence in our communities.”
Speakers at the event include Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Anita Pluckwell, Head of Operations and Client Care at Staying Put and Lisa Bell, founder of Soundproofbox, along with representatives from the Race Equality Network and University of Bradford. Bradford poet Sharena Lee Satti will perform and the night will conclude with a performance from theatre company Soundproofbox.
“We reclaim the night not in fear, but in defiance,” States President of Activities Anas Iqbal from the University of Bradford Student’s Union. ‘A march born in the 1970s against violence, still echoing through our streets today. Each step honours those silenced, each voice demands safety, dignity, and freedom. The night belongs to all of us.”
”In a time of hostile politics and our human rights being under attack, it is vital to come together and stand in solidarity with women, everywhere.” Adds Fatima Mahmood, Race Equality Network. “Let us stand together, let us raise our voices and let us reclaim the night.”
The march will begin at Carlton Prayer Room, University of Bradford at 4:00pm and proceed up to Centenary Square and back around, finishing back at the University.
Everyone is welcome, especially those who stand in solidarity with women and survivors of gender-based violence. Bring your banners, placards, and your voice to raise awareness and show collective strength.
Let’s walk together, speak up, and reclaim the night.
- Date: Sunday, 26th October
- Meeting Point: Carlton Prayer Room, Students Union, University of Bradford at 4:00pm
- Route: March from Carlton Prayer Room, Students Union to Centenary Square and back.
If you would like to download an information pack including routes and chants, please click here.
Key speakers
Alison Lowe is the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire. She started her role in July 2021 and was appointed by the new Metro Mayor, Tracy Brabin, because of her extensive voluntary sector, political and policing experience over a 30+ year period.
Alison worked in the Third Sector for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief Executive of Touchstone, a Mental Health Charity working across West Yorkshire. Touchstone work with and for people that are affected by mental health problems, and they specialise in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.
With a background in social care, Anita Pluckwell has worked across Europe, and set up a victim support scheme for service families in north-west Europe, before settling back in the UK and furthering her career in domestic abuse services. Previous to working at Staying Put, Anita worked for Trafford Domestic Abuse Services where she led a team delivering outreach services to survivors and developed domestic abuse training packages for professionals.
Anita’s role as Head of Operations & Client Care means she oversees all our service delivery, across our Community Hub, One Front Door and Accommodation services.
With a background in acting and theatre directing for education companies, Lise founded Soundproofbox to channel her passion for addressing societal issues into creative solutions.
Lise is a dedicated advocate for both male and female domestic abuse survivors and has contributed to local and international initiatives, including being a part of the steering group for West Yorkshire Trauma Informed and a board member for International Change for Children. Alongside her community work, Lisa has authored two books on the subject of coercive control, published under her pen name Elise Kaye.
Sharena Lee Satti is an award-nominated published poet, performer, and WOW – Women of the World nominee whose work celebrates women’s voices and community connection. Her poetry has been featured on BBC Radio, at major festivals, and shared internationally, including at a conference in Nepal.
Through her workshops, Sharena inspires self-expression and confidence, empowering young people and communities to find and share their stories.
Soundproofbox CIC is a Yorkshire-based social enterprise founded by Lise Kaye-Bell, with a mission to break cycles of abuse and create safer, healthier relationships through creative education and training.
The organisation’s core approach is to use interactive theatre, storytelling, and workshops to bring to life the hidden dynamics of coercive control, toxic relationships, harassment, and abuse often under the banner of its flagship “Red Flags” performance. Its work spans schools, workplaces, public organisations, and community settings, with the intent to engage audiences, deepen understanding, and equip bystanders and survivors with tools to act.
In partnership with
