Ruthanna Barnett and daughter complete the march. Photo: Shade Lapite

Last Saturday over 300 women defied the wet weather and marched through central London to demand an end to rape and male violence against women.

The 6th annual Reclaim the Night march was organised by The London Feminist Network and supported by a range of groups from teachers’ union NASUWT – who contributed to the cost of placards – to Hackney MP Diane Abbot.

The march, led by all-female drumming ensemble, SheBoom, marched from Whitehall Place, past Trafalgar Square and Tottenham Court Road to Kings Cross.

Ruthanna Barnett, 40, travelled up from Oxford with her 11-year-old daughter. She said: “The march is a presence that’s seen by other women who don’t know there’s a feminist movement… It’s important to be able to walk safely in the streets.”

Ema Webb, 22, East London said: “I think people don’t realise the extent of the domestic violence problem. The march is a good way to raise awareness of the issue. But you have do other things to bring about change.“

The night ended with a rally, speeches and dancing at the Camden Centre opposite Kings Cross station.