Windsor women “take back the night” at anti-violence rally

By Alexandra Hristoff

 

About 100 Windsor women and supporters took to the streets on Sept. 30 for the annual Take Back the Night rally and march.

Decked out in pink and black t-shirts and waving feminist flags, they gathered on the lawn in front of the Windsor Aquatics and Training Centre to raise awareness around gender-based violence, to empower survivors and to demand the community be responsible for ending violence against women.

Traditionally, men were not invited to take part in the event. Windsor’s event, however, allowed males, including Luca Thibert, to attend.

“During the speeches I was moved and felt a certain responsibility to stand up in instances of injustice,” said Thibert. “During the march, I was approached by a woman who thanked me for being there. Admittedly, I didn’t know how to respond. But when a second woman came up to me, I told her how proud I was to be there.”

Allison Grieco, who has attended multiple anti-violence events, said she feels a strong connection with Take Back the Night.

“I think that it’s really important because it’s just such an amazing bond for all the women in the community to come together and stand up for such an important cause as a sisterhood,” said Grieco, who came out for a second year.

Take Back the Night dates back to the late 1970s, as part of the second wave of the women’s movement in North America. Organizers of this year’s rally in Windsor focused on the theme “We’re still here” for two reasons.

“One is that we’re mad that we’re still here and we still have to protest this stuff. And the second thing is our survival, right? It’s like a defiance,” said Emily Rosser, professor at the University of Windsor and member of the Take Back the Night organizing committee.

“We’re still here, we’re still doing this work and we’re not going to be eliminated from the picture,” she added. Rosser, who spoke to the crowd, emphasized self-care.

As the sun began to set, the rally began. Multiple speakers were invited to share their stories about violence and activism.

With picket signs raised high, the march moved from the Aquatics Centre lawn, down Pitt Street to Ouellette Avenue and ended on Maiden Lane.

That’s where Buuntz and Co. handed out free ice cream after an emotional rally and a long walk.