The Moray Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership (MVAWGP) is inviting people to join its second annual Reclaim the Night march on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to stand together against gender-based fear and violence.
Women and allies will take to the streets of Elgin to call out harassment, violence and abusive behaviour directed at women and girls, and to demand safer spaces for everyone.
Last year’s inaugural Reclaim the Night Moray event attracted hundreds of participants, including families, in a powerful show of community solidarity. Building on that success, organisers hope to see even more people join this year’s march to raise awareness of gender-based violence, its causes and consequences, and the shared responsibility we all have to challenge harmful behaviour and be part of the solution.
The event also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism 2025 – a global campaign to end gender-based violence, supported locally by MVAWGP and partner organisations including Police Scotland, NHS Grampian, and Health & Social Care Moray.
Dr Emma Plant, spokesperson for MVAWGP, explained the importance of Reclaim the Night marches as a way to take back spaces where women have every right to be, at any time of the day or night, without the threat of male harassment and violence.
“We march to honour the strength and survival of those who have experienced sexual violence. We march because women, men and those who identify as neither should be able to walk wherever they choose, whenever they choose, without fear of harassment or assault. We march because telling us we ‘shouldn’t go out at night’ is an insult, not a solution,” said Dr Plant.
“No matter what you were wearing, drinking or doing, there is never any justification for sexual violence. Victim-blaming will not end sexual assault – it only makes it harder for those affected to seek help.
“March with us on 25 November to support the survivors and demand a better, safer future for everyone.”
Supporters are invited to gather at the Plainstones in the centre of Elgin from 5.30pm. The march will start at 6pm, following a route down to Cooper Park and back to St Giles Church, where there will be information stalls from local support services and the opportunity to hear from guest speakers.
Everyone is welcome – this is a safe and inclusive event that encourages the whole community to come together in solidarity. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a torch.
The march route is mostly paved but does involve uneven surfaces, slopes and some stairs. Anyone unable to join the march is welcome to wait inside the church.
For more information about the Reclaim the Night march and the work of MVAWGP, please email vawgpartnership@moray.gov.uk.
