Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis is taking back the night this Thursday with their annual rally, followed by a march to St. George’s Square.
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. in Marianne’s Park for drumming and speeches by Mandi Gray and Nealob Kakar.
Gray is an activist and academic who has spent years advocating for women and girls in the legal system. She is releasing a book in the Spring titled Suing for Silence: Defamation and Sexual Violence, which looks at the growing trend of men suing women who accuse them of sexual assault or harassment.
Kakar is a queer Afghan researcher, poet and artist, as well as a PhD student at the University of Guelph. Her research is centred on her own lived experiences as a queer, Muslim woman of colour, and focuses on the ways racialized LGBTQIA+ survivors practice care and mutual aid.
Afterwards, there will be a march from the park to St. George’s Square.
Take Back the Night is a global event that aims to reclaim the streets, raise awareness and solidarity against sexual violence.
The theme this year is ‘lead where you are.’
Posters and signs will be available at the rally, but attendees are welcome to bring their own as well.
The event will be livestreamed for those who can’t make it.
