Women and Gender Advocacy Alliance

Email us at: niuwgaa@gmail.com 

Take Back The Night

What Is Take Back The Night?

Take Back The Night is an international movement dedicated to ending sexual violence, harassment, and abuse. The initiative centers survivors, raises awareness, and promotes the right of women and other marginalized genders to feel safe in public spaces, particularly at night. Events often include educational programming and opportunities for community solidarity.

History of Take Back The Night

The Take Back The Night movement began in the 1970s as a response to rising sexual violence and the societal restrictions placed on women’s safety and mobility. One of the first organized marches occurred in 1976 in Brussels, Belgium, and the movement quickly expanded across Europe and the United States, particularly on college campuses. Today, it is a globally recognized effort focused on survivor advocacy, education, and prevention.

Why WGAA Hosts Take Back The Night

The Women and Gender Advocacy Alliance hosts Take Back The Night during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month to support survivors and advance its mission of promoting safety, equity, and advocacy for women and other marginalized genders. This event provides space for survivor voices, challenges harmful norms, and encourages education and accountability. Through Take Back The Night, WGAA works to foster a more informed, supportive, and equitable campus community.

Clothesline Project

What Is the Clothesline Project?

The Clothesline Project is a national awareness initiative that addresses sexual violence, domestic violence, and abuse through survivor-centered storytelling. Survivors and allies decorate t-shirts with messages, symbols, or artwork representing personal experiences, healing, or support. The shirts are displayed publicly to honor survivors, raise awareness, and promote community dialogue.

History of the Clothesline Project

The Clothesline Project was founded in 1990 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts by a group of women working to address violence against women. The clothesline was chosen as a symbol because it represents traditionally domestic spaces where abuse often occurs, while the t-shirts serve as a powerful visual reminder of voices that are frequently silenced. Since its founding, the project has been adopted by communities, campuses, and organizations nationwide.

Why WGAA Will Host the Clothesline Project

The Women and Gender Advocacy Alliance participate in the Clothesline Project to align with its mission of advocating for the safety, well-being, and equity of women and other marginalized genders. Hosting this project during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, allows WGAA to actively contribute to education, prevention, and survivor support efforts on campus. By participating in the Clothesline Project, WGAA creates a visible and supportive space for awareness, reflection, and solidarity, while helping break the silence surrounding sexual violence and reinforcing the importance of survivor-centered advocacy.