Since 1975 in Philadelphia USA, Take Back the Night has been recognised internationally as a means to empower and support survivors of sexual violence and abuse, raise awareness and encourage a world in which it is safe enough for all to walk home at night. During September and October 2013, between the International Day of Peace (21 September) and the International Day of Non-violence (2 October) it will be branches of the New Zealand World Association of Girl Guide and Girl Scout’s turns to Take Back the Night.
The Take Back the Night rallies, as a part of the national advocacy initiative for the Stop Violence Campaign, will be led and run by New Zealand Girl Guide youth who are passionate about reclaiming the night time as a space in which all should feel secure. The rallies will emphasise that violence of any form is never okay, and have a range of activities and entertainment on offer, such as music, poetry readings and candle lightings. Organisers aim to provide a welcoming environment at the rallies that girls and young women feel comfortable to speak out on why the issue of violence is important to them.
For more information on events in any of the following locations please contact those listed below:
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The Pencarrow rally will take place at The Dowse Square, Lower Hutt on Saturday 28 September at 6:30pm. Bring a torch and a donation for Women’s Refuge (clothing, non-perishable food, money). RSVP to pencarrowtbtn@gmail.com by 26 September. The wet weather venue is the Moera Community Hall.
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The New Plymouth rally will take place at the Bowl of the Brooklands lawn on 2 October at 7pm. Again, bring a torch and rug up. Please RSVP by 27 September to tbtntaranaki@gmail.com
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Christchurch rally will be held on Friday 27 September at 7pm in the Cathedral Square. Contact Andrea for more details: ADL@hfk.co.nz
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The Manawatu rally will also be held on the Friday 27 September at 6.45pm at the Square, Palmerston North. Contact Rachael: elfin_angel@hotmail.com
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The Auckland rally will be held on Friday, 27 September and all are welcome to contact Theresa on tresakendrick@gmail.com for more information
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The Wellington event will be held on Sunday 29 September (7-8 pm – tbc) at a venue in the Porirua area (tbc). For more information contact Serena.
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Finally, the South Canterbury event will be held in Timaru on 5 October. Contact Annette Bray for more information: annette.bray@xtra.co.nz
All members of Girl Guiding and their friends are welcome to come along to the events.
White Ribbon proudly supports these important events and wish all who attend an entertaining and informative evening.