Advertisement
This year’s “Take Back the Night,” presented by the Feminist Students United, brought together an array of women, too few men, and a lot of feminine strength, support and education.
In a concrete courtyard on the Ohio State campus, “Taking Back the Night” spanned from twilight through late night with; performance art, music, demonstrations, speakers, a rally to prepare for the march, which was followed by a candlelight vigil and speakout.
“Taking Back the Night” is about standing up against the violence and sexual abuse that threaten women from feeling safe. It’s about taking back something that shouldn’t have been lost in the first place, the safety and confidence a woman should feel even if she is alone at night.
Speakers included Shawn Ireland, Dr. Paulette Pierce, Sarah Mahr, Deborah Schipper, and a demonstration by OSU Women’s Self-Defense and Martial Arts Club. Each speaker brought a different component of feminine empowerment to the gathering.
The OSU Women’s Self-Defense and Martial Arts Club teaches women to fight back, not only through physical techniques of self-defense, but through mental and emotional preparation to prevent freezing up in the event of an attack.
Dr. Paulette Pierce, an associate professor in African-American and African studies, passionately addressed the history of rape through an African-American woman’s perspective, shedding light on cultural identity and several other cultural related realties of rape.
Deborah Schipper, coordinator of OSU’s Rape Education and Prevention Program, used a little humor to teach a lot about a subject most people are shy to mention.
“Take Back the Night,” an event which originated in 1978, is still occurring across the nation. Thankfully it’s a time when women feel safe and can speak out against sexual abuse and intimidation; unfortunately, decades later, this is still a real issue.
In a concrete courtyard on the Ohio State campus, “Taking Back the Night” spanned from twilight through late night with; performance art, music, demonstrations, speakers, a rally to prepare for the march, which was followed by a candlelight vigil and speakout.
“Taking Back the Night” is about standing up against the violence and sexual abuse that threaten women from feeling safe. It’s about taking back something that shouldn’t have been lost in the first place, the safety and confidence a woman should feel even if she is alone at night.
Speakers included Shawn Ireland, Dr. Paulette Pierce, Sarah Mahr, Deborah Schipper, and a demonstration by OSU Women’s Self-Defense and Martial Arts Club. Each speaker brought a different component of feminine empowerment to the gathering.
The OSU Women’s Self-Defense and Martial Arts Club teaches women to fight back, not only through physical techniques of self-defense, but through mental and emotional preparation to prevent freezing up in the event of an attack.
Dr. Paulette Pierce, an associate professor in African-American and African studies, passionately addressed the history of rape through an African-American woman’s perspective, shedding light on cultural identity and several other cultural related realties of rape.
Deborah Schipper, coordinator of OSU’s Rape Education and Prevention Program, used a little humor to teach a lot about a subject most people are shy to mention.
“Take Back the Night,” an event which originated in 1978, is still occurring across the nation. Thankfully it’s a time when women feel safe and can speak out against sexual abuse and intimidation; unfortunately, decades later, this is still a real issue.