Protesters march to 'reclaim the night' following mum-of-two's death

Activists are calling for more safety measures for women and girls after the loss of 'deeply loved' Jill Barclay.

Protesters are marching to ‘reclaim the streets’ of Aberdeen following the tragic death of Jill Barclay.

The “deeply loved” mum-of-two was found near an address on Stoneywood Road in the Dyce area of the city at around 3.30am on Saturday, September 17. A 22-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with her death.

Organisers from group Reclaim the Night are demanding more safety measures to protect women in the city as the rally on Friday marks the start of UN Women’s 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence.

Labour councillor and member of Aberdeen Women’s Alliance Sandra MacDonald said: “In the wake of Jill Barclay’s death, we are taking to the streets to make our voices heard and say ‘enough is enough.’

“This has really hit home for every generation of women. We don’t feel like the city is as safe as we thought it was, especially after Covid.

The Reclaim the Night event in Aberdeen (STV News)

“There’s a breadth of feeling over what happened to Jill and other attacks on women in recent years.

“Women need to be able to go about their business day and night and get home safely.

“Women should be able to wear what they want, go where they want without putting their lives at risk.

“We want to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. This has to stop.

“We should be able to bring up children up safely in this city in this day and age.”

The event will begin on the city’s St Nicholas Street at 5.30pm.

A moment of reflection will also take place in honour of women who have been subjected to violence on the streets.

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