During the night of Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18, hundreds of runners will complete a 20-kilometer route through Rotterdam to raise awareness of sexual violence worldwide. The nighttime event, organized by Plan International, will kick off at midnight with speeches from Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten, State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie, and Plan International Director Garance Reus-Deelder.
The third edition of the Night Against Sexual Violence takes place in Rotterdam and is organized by Plan International to highlight the impact of sexual violence and street harassment. Globally, nearly one in three women experience sexual or physical violence. In the Netherlands, 83 percent of girls and young women have encountered unwanted sexual behavior in public spaces.
The route begins and ends at the Laurenskerk and takes participants past iconic locations such as the Erasmus Bridge, which will be lit up in vibrant colors. Along the way, various activities and (art) installations will contribute to raising awareness and supporting the healing process related to sexual violence.
At Least 850 Participants
Participants are also walking the nighttime route to raise funds for Plan International’s programs that aim to make cities around the world safer for girls and women. A week before the event, the total amount raised stands at €109,000, with over 850 participants already registered. Garance Reus-Deelder, Director of Plan International, stated:
“With the Night Against Sexual Violence, we are creating an event centered on determination and solidarity with women and girls across the globe. By walking together, we show that the stories of survivors of sexual violence are being heard and acknowledged. I look forward to reclaiming the night with everyone who feels like an ally.”
Schouten and Coenradie Open the Event
Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam, and Ingrid Coenradie, State Secretary for Justice and Security, will speak during the opening and walk part of the route.
Schouten said: “As a city, Rotterdam is at the forefront in the fight against street harassment and sexual violence. This is urgently needed, because unfortunately, our city faces these issues frequently. During the Night Against Sexual Violence, we raise our voices together: the streets belong to everyone. We make it clear that sexually transgressive behavior, in any form, will not be tolerated.”
Coenradie: “I know from personal experience how important it is to talk about sexual violence. By speaking openly about our experiences, I want to send a powerful message: the shame belongs to the perpetrator, not to the survivor of sexual violence.”
Safer Cities for Girls Program
The money raised during the Night Against Sexual Violence goes to Plan International’s Safer Cities for Girls program, which is active in countries such as Uganda. Through this program, Plan International works to make cities physically safer and provides safe spaces for women and girls. The organization also trains boys and men to combat sexual violence and educates communities about girls’ rights.
