Hundreds to march through streets of Ayrshire on International Women's Day in bid to 'Reclaim the Night'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hundreds of women are set to march through the streets of Ayr tomorrow evening in a bid to end violence against women and children.The ‘Reclaim the Night’ rally, organised by the South Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership, will start at Ayr Academy and travel through the town centre tomorrow from 5.30pm.

There will also be events in Kilmarnock and Irvine.The march was previously postponed back in December due to bad weather and will now take place on International Women’s Day.Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown, who attended the memorial to murdered Sarah Everard at the Scottish Parliament last Thursday, is urging women across Ayrshire to take part and raise awareness.Her call comes after sharing that, along with many others, she take precautions when out walking at night.

Ms Brown said: “When women are being told not to go out alone it’s time to say enough is enough.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.“Women should be able to walk the street at night without the fear of facing violence.“I know women, including myself, who refuse to listen to music at night, who carry their keys in their hands as protection and who wear personal alarms.

This must end.“Woman and girls must stand together to Reclaim the Night with a show of unity and strength.“It’s also a time to honour those who no longer have a voice and to challenge the myths around sexual violence.