Leicester Feminists Take to the Streets

On November 25, protestors took to the streets to “raise awareness and show solidarity with victims of sexual violence.”

The event was attended by, amongst others, members of Leicester Young Feminists, the Fawcett Society, the Women’s Equality Party, and Leicester Socialist Students, although members of the community turned out in support.

Before the march got underway, the President of Leicester Young Feminists addressed the crowd, pointing out that, contrary to popular opinion, the majority of sexual assaults happen within relationships. For women, the likelihood of being murdered by a partner or ex-partner is extremely high. According to the Government’s Office of National Statistics, of the 183 women who were murdered in last year nearly 50% were killed by their partners or ex-partners.

This was followed by an address from the newly appointed Student Union President, Rachel Holland, who spoke powerfully against the continued cuts to vital support services, such as Rape Crisis Centres, across the country – illustrating the contradictory relationship between the struggle for gender equality and Tory austerity. Indeed, as Jeremy Corbyn’s “Working with Women” report has recently pointed out, women continue to bear the brunt of public service cuts.

Upon arrival at Victoria Park, a vigil was held for victims of sexual violence.

Drawing the events to a close, a representative from the Women’s Equality Society explained that, whilst men can also be victims of sexual violence, it is women who suffer this oppression systematically. Gender inequality persists to a shocking degree: 20% of women report having been sexually assaulted since the age of 16, compared to 3.6% of men.

Leicester Socialist Students will be holding a public meeting entitled “Are Socialists Feminists?” at Madison’s Ice Cream Parlour on Monday November 30, from 6pm. All are welcome to come.