Student march to highlight sexual violence and gender equality

The Reclaim the Night event on Tuesday, March 8 has been organised by the Students’ Union’s women’s officer Sian Brooke and will culminate in Guildhall Square.

She said: ‘This is going to be a fantastic community event, open to everyone, and the perfect opportunity to stand up and say ‘no’ to street harassment and victim-blaming.’

University of Portsmouth Chancellor Sandi Toksvig is backing the event, and said: ‘No one in this day and age should have to fear for their safety when they walk the streets, so I’m thrilled to see our students stepping out to highlight this important and sadly still relevant issue.’

The evening, which will also help raise money for local charities, starts at 5pm in Park Coffee Shop, Park Building, with a face-painting session and a series of talks and spoken-word events.

The evening culminates with the march at 8pm, which will last for 40 minutes, and people are encouraged to bring along musical instruments to help add to the atmosphere and create as much noise as possible.

For more information visit facebook.com/events/1041233115916425/.

To book your place at the free event go to eventbrite.co.uk/e/reclaim-the-night-portsmouth-2016-tickets-20899334472.