Student Unions from across Glasgow Institutions united to organise a march in the fight against GBV (Gender-based violence)
On November 28, students from across Glasgow braved the cold to campaign for safer streets and stand with those who have experienced GBV (Gender Based Violence). The event was coordinated by seven student union bodies from all across the city.
The March congregated at the University of Glasgow memorial gates where the SRC (Students’ Representative Council) were on hand to provide hot drinks and gloves. The march then travelled to Buchanan Steps in the City Centre.
In 2023, it was estimated that one million crimes were committed against women and girls in the UK. In Scotland, one in four women and girls will experience Gender Based Violence in their lifetime. As well as campaigning for safer streets, the organisers protested “the stigma surrounding rape and sexual assault, the victim-blaming that goes alongside this….and the appalling rape conviction rate in Scotland.”
Explaining the importance of the march, Iris Duane, Vice President of Student Support said, “as Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, it is important that we student unions unite to show we believe that not only is this behaviour unacceptable, but we will continue to fight against it. Across the city, we know there are survivors of Gender Based Violence. It’s important to help survivors know they can come forward.”
The Fight for the Night campaign brings to light the issues faced by transgender and non-binary people, which are often ignored in public discourse. Duane adds, “gender-based violence isn’t just a women’s and girls’ issue, but it affects many people across groups. Part of what we’re doing is including LGBT+ people in the conversation.”
Following the death of Sarah Everard in 2021 the issue of GBV was brought to the forefront of public attention in the media. Vigils were held across the UK to remember those who had suffered or lost their lives to gender-based violence. The issue is as prevalent now as ever. As recently as November 2024, a 19-year-old woman was raped in Glasgow city centre. When asked about the lack of media attention, Duane adds, “Cases such as Sarah Everard shove a quick spotlight on the issue, but it is not always maintained,”
The SRC continues to hold the University to accord, especially in light of the Ross Report 2022 which highlighted institutional failings in the University’s procedures for dealing with GBV. Together, the SRC and the University of Glasgow introduced the ‘Together against GBV’ campaign, the result of an increase in funding in this area.
“We don’t want reactive action; we want preventative action.”
The University of Glasgow does have a GBV Research form which is used by staff and research students to develop research and share information relating to gender-based violence. However, the SRC maintains that the University needs to do more and they continue to advocate to the University for maintaining and improving services, whilst encouraging students to continue to be active bystanders, complete the Gender Based Violence course, and report concerning behaviour.
For GBV support:
Glasgow Women’s aid – 0141 553 2022
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis – 08088 00 00 14
Glasgow fights for the night in a cross-University march.
Student Unions from across Glasgow Institutions united to organise a march in the fight against GBV (Gender-based violence)
On November 28, students from across Glasgow braved the cold to campaign for safer streets and stand with those who have experienced GBV (Gender Based Violence). The event was coordinated by seven student union bodies from all across the city.
The March congregated at the University of Glasgow memorial gates where the SRC (Students’ Representative Council) were on hand to provide hot drinks and gloves. The march then travelled to Buchanan Steps in the City Centre.
In 2023, it was estimated that one million crimes were committed against women and girls in the UK. In Scotland, one in four women and girls will experience Gender Based Violence in their lifetime. As well as campaigning for safer streets, the organisers protested “the stigma surrounding rape and sexual assault, the victim-blaming that goes alongside this….and the appalling rape conviction rate in Scotland.”
Explaining the importance of the march, Iris Duane, Vice President of Student Support said, “as Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, it is important that we student unions unite to show we believe that not only is this behaviour unacceptable, but we will continue to fight against it. Across the city, we know there are survivors of Gender Based Violence. It’s important to help survivors know they can come forward.”
The Fight for the Night campaign brings to light the issues faced by transgender and non-binary people, which are often ignored in public discourse. Duane adds, “gender-based violence isn’t just a women’s and girls’ issue, but it affects many people across groups. Part of what we’re doing is including LGBT+ people in the conversation.”
Following the death of Sarah Everard in 2021 the issue of GBV was brought to the forefront of public attention in the media. Vigils were held across the UK to remember those who had suffered or lost their lives to gender-based violence. The issue is as prevalent now as ever. As recently as November 2024, a 19-year-old woman was raped in Glasgow city centre. When asked about the lack of media attention, Duane adds, “Cases such as Sarah Everard shove a quick spotlight on the issue, but it is not always maintained,”
The SRC continues to hold the University to accord, especially in light of the Ross Report 2022 which highlighted institutional failings in the University’s procedures for dealing with GBV. Together, the SRC and the University of Glasgow introduced the ‘Together against GBV’ campaign, the result of an increase in funding in this area.
“We don’t want reactive action; we want preventative action.”
The University of Glasgow does have a GBV Research form which is used by staff and research students to develop research and share information relating to gender-based violence. However, the SRC maintains that the University needs to do more and they continue to advocate to the University for maintaining and improving services, whilst encouraging students to continue to be active bystanders, complete the Gender Based Violence course, and report concerning behaviour.
For GBV support:
Glasgow Women’s aid – 0141 553 2022
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis – 08088 00 00 14
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