“WHAT NOW?” People still want change one week on from the Reclaim the Night march

University society leaders felt empowered but people still want to do more

One week on from the successful Reclaim the Night March, university society leaders are still voicing their concerns for women’s safety within Lincolnshire.

Many female societies from the University of Lincoln, who attended the March, have claimed that although they felt empowered and heard, the problem of women’s safety remains.

Gemma O’Donnell, president of University of Lincoln Netball club said: “I am in charge of 45 girls. I am responsible for them and have to worry about them even walking home from training. I think it’s a much bigger issue than people realise.”

Miss O’Donnell also said: “Yes, the march was successful, but what happens now? Women’s safety isn’t something can be solved overnight. I still wouldn’t let my friends or anyone, walk home on their own and I shouldn’t have to worry about my friends walking home either.”

The University of Lincoln Netball Club were in the front line of the Reclaim the Night march, helping the SU wellbeing officer carry the banner, with Gemma O’Donnell, President of ULNC in the middle.

With 450 people taking part in the March, many are wondering what the next steps will be.

Women in Lincoln still feel vulnerable on the streets late at night and want things such as streetlights to be left on for longer to increase safety.

Currently most streetlights in Lincoln turn off at Midnight. People are petitioning to change this as a necessary step towards helping people feel safe again.

Daniella Reeve, president of University of Lincoln Women’s Basketball Club said “It’s simple things really. We are a student city, yet the streetlights are tuned off at midnight. I know myself and all members of our club have signed a petition to leave them on for longer. I also think it’s the next step that needs to be taken; the march was amazing but it’s like what now?”.

During the march many people held signs to voice how they felt. The signs expressed feelings about safety and that people want change to happen.

The vice president of wellbeing and community for University of Lincoln, Harriet Kennedy organised the march and continues to campaign for women’s safety within Lincoln.

In a statement she said, “For 44 years this fight has been going on and will continue until it’s no longer the ‘norm’ to be scared/fearful when walking down the street”.