About 350 women took to the streets of Adelaide on October 26 as part of a Reclaim the Night protest. No march was held last year, so it was inspiring to see women of all ages marching through the central business and nightclub districts of Adelaide chanting, “whatever we wear, wherever we go — yes means yes, no means no”, and “women united will never be defeated”.
The event was a women’s only space. Male supporters were encouraged to show support from the footpath along the march route.
Liah Lazarou, member of the South Australian Feminist Collective and Socialist Alliance, addressed the rally at Victoria Square. She highlighted the hypocrisy of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who announced huge cuts to single parents' benefits on the same day as she spoke out against sexism in parliament.
Lazarou, a single mother, expressed her outrage at a policy that will disproportionately affect women and entrench poverty. She also recognised the central role of feminist movements in underpinning progressive changes that have been won in the past. She said it was important that women organise together to challenge the sexism and discrimination that is embedded in the current social system.
The event culminated with a social dance party and barbeque, providing a fun and safe space for women to celebrate their past and present struggles.