By Emily Elder
As discussion on date rape on campus heats up, post-secondary and community groups are planning to Take Back The Night.
A series of rapes and murders in Germany inspired the first TBTN march in 1973. In 1977, it spread to over 30 states in the United States, and in 1978, Ottawa, Halifax and Vancouver held the first Canadian TBTN marches. It has since become an annual international event, happening in many cities across North America and around the world.
What is the significance of TBTN? According to Karoline Kemp, a core member of University of Calgary’s Feminist Initiative Recognizing Equality and a two-year veteran of the TBTN organizing committee, TBTN is a protest against all types of violence against women.
"It represents an active, visible protest regarding daily violence against women," stated Kemp. "It’s women asserting their right not to be afraid of walking alone after dark. It raises awareness. All of the women there feel the same. It affirms we’re in this together, and it needs to be fought against. Chanting together, being visibly out there, brings the issue to people on the sidewalk or in their cars."
One of the major controversies surrounding the march is the role of male supporters. Though males are traditionally encouraged to attend as allies, only women are allowed to march. This is both to empower them, and to provide a safe space for women who have experienced violence and may not be comfortable with men sharing their march.
"There is a great community of men in Calgary who are interested and supportive," Kemp explained. "Last year lots of men came–it was definitely the one thing I was most excited about."
As to their role, she says men, while following the march on the sidewalk, often act as educators, handing out pamphlets on services for women who are experiencing violence, or information on the march.
"My dad’s coming this year!" exulted Kemp.
Take Back The Night takes place Sat., Sept. 20. Participants will congregate at Memorial Park at 7 p.m. There will be entertainment and speakers. The march begins at 8 p.m.
TBTN invites anyone of any gender who is concerned about violence against women to participate.