By KLTV Newsdesk –

Hundreds unite across the region to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

As the clocks turned back, hundreds of people stood united across West Yorkshire to Reclaim the Night and demand an end to violence against women and girls.

Five events took place on Sunday 26 October across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, bringing together communities determined to make public spaces safer for everyone.

Among them, the Kirklees event in Greenhead Park stood out for its strong local support and focus on tackling violence at a community level.

Leading the Call for Change

In Huddersfield’s Greenhead Park, dozens of women, men, and families came together in solidarity, marching through the park in a vibrant show of unity.

The event was organised by Kirklees Council and Kirklees Domestic Abuse Specialist Services (KDASS), reflecting the area’s ongoing commitment to challenging abuse and creating safer spaces for women and girls.

Speakers from local organisations addressed the crowd, sharing stories and reaffirming their dedication to preventing violence in all its forms.

The atmosphere was one of empowerment and shared purpose, as participants held banners and torches high to light the way forward.

The Reality for Women

The Reclaim the Night events across the region come in response to stark findings about women’s safety.

Recent research shows that four out of five women in the UK feel unsafe walking alone after dark in a park or open space.

Meanwhile, data from This Girl Can revealed that six in ten women worry about sexual harassment or intimidation when exercising after sunset.

These figures underline the importance of initiatives like Reclaim the Night, which amplify women’s voices and demand structural change rather than behavioural adjustments.

‘Safety Shouldn’t Be a Burden We Carry Alone’

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin praised the strength and solidarity shown across the region.

“As the nights get darker, women are still being told to change their behaviour to stay safe, but safety shouldn’t be a burden we carry alone,” said Mayor Brabin.

“That’s why hundreds of women, girls and allies came together across West Yorkshire to say, ‘enough is enough’.

“We need men to step up, challenge harmful behaviour and be part of the solution. Safer streets for women and girls mean safer streets for everyone.”

United Across West Yorkshire

Alongside the Kirklees march, four other Reclaim the Night events took place across the region:

• Bradford: Held at the University of Bradford, organised by Staying Put.
• Calderdale: Hosted in Shibden Park, organised by Women’s Centre.
• Leeds: Began outside Leeds Art Gallery with a walk through the city centre, organised by Women Friendly Leeds and the TUC.
• Wakefield: Held at the Wakefield Exchange, organised by Empath Theatre and councillors from Wakefield Council.

Together, these events formed a united front, showing that the demand for safety, respect, and equality knows no boundaries.

Continuing the Fight for Safer Spaces

The Safer Parks Research by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority offers further insight into how local authorities can design and manage parks to make women feel more secure. More information can be found on their website.