One Year On – A year after thousands of women, students, and activists took to the streets of Kolkata in a historic demonstration to “Reclaim the Night,” participants returned this week to reflect on the movement’s impact, its evolution, and the challenges that remain in ensuring women’s safety in public spaces.
The anniversary gathering, held late on Tuesday evening at Hazra Crossing and continuing into the early hours, was both a commemoration and a reality check. While the atmosphere retained its fiery spirit, some participants noted a decline in crowd numbers compared to last year’s massive turnout. Organizers, however, stressed that movements are not measured solely by headcounts but by the persistence of their message.
The Origin of ‘Reclaim the Night’ in Kolkata
The Kolkata chapter of “Reclaim the Night” was inspired by a series of global women’s rights movements that began in the 1970s in the United Kingdom, when women protested against sexual violence and restrictive curfews. In the Indian context, the rally took on a unique character—combining feminist solidarity with broader calls for urban safety, gender equality, and accountability in policing.
Last year’s rally was triggered by a spate of high-profile crimes against women in West Bengal, including alleged sexual assaults in public transport and rising reports of workplace harassment. The event saw students, NGOs, cultural collectives, and concerned citizens flooding the streets in a symbolic reclaiming of public spaces after dark.
A Different Energy, But the Same Determination
This year’s gathering saw fewer participants than the previous one, but those who came argued that the size of the crowd does not diminish the importance of the cause. “It’s about continuity,” said Ananya Chatterjee, a postgraduate student at Jadavpur University and one of the core organizers. “Movements go through cycles. The first year is often huge because it’s new and emotionally charged. The second year is about sustaining momentum, and that’s harder—but also more meaningful.”
The march was shorter this year, starting from Kalighat Metro Station and ending at Hazra Crossing. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Azaadi from Fear”, “Streets are Ours”, and “Patriarchy Must Fall”.
Remembering the Past, Confronting the Present
Several speakers recalled the atmosphere of last year’s rally, describing how the sheer size of the crowd gave women a rare sense of safety while walking at night. “For many, it was the first time they had walked through Kolkata’s streets after midnight without fear,” said Rituparna Ghosh, a researcher on urban safety and gender rights.
However, Ghosh acknowledged that the city’s overall situation has not dramatically improved since then. “We still see reports of harassment. The city still has dark, unsafe stretches. Police presence in certain areas is minimal. Our fight is far from over.”
A year on, some protesters voiced concerns that the initial momentum has not translated into significant policy changes. While Kolkata Police has increased CCTV coverage and patrolling in certain areas, activists argue that cultural attitudes towards women in public spaces remain a deeper challenge.
One Year On: Intersection of Causes
The 2025 “Reclaim the Night” march was notable for bringing together diverse causes under one umbrella. Alongside women’s rights activists were groups advocating for the safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals, street vendors, and migrant workers—communities that also face harassment and marginalization in public spaces.
“We can’t talk about reclaiming the night for women without also talking about reclaiming it for everyone who is targeted for who they are,” said Priyanka Roy, a queer rights activist. “If the streets aren’t safe for the most vulnerable among us, they aren’t truly safe for anyone.”
Police and Civic Response
Kolkata Police maintained a visible but non-intrusive presence throughout the march. Barricades were placed to ensure traffic flow, and officers were stationed at major crossings along the route. Senior officers told reporters that they support the right to peaceful assembly but urged protesters to engage with policy-level discussions for sustained change.
A representative from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) acknowledged that better street lighting and infrastructure are essential to improving safety, particularly in suburban and peri-urban areas where incidents often go unreported.
Art, Music, and Cultural Resistance
Like last year, the march was also a cultural event. Musicians played protest songs, poets recited verses on freedom and resilience, and street theatre groups performed skits on bystander intervention in harassment cases.
One of the highlights was a performance of “Ami tomar motoi ekjon manush” (“I am just like you, a human being”), which has become something of an anthem for gender equality protests in Bengal.
Cultural scholar Dr. Sharmistha Dutta pointed out that art has always played a central role in Kolkata’s protest culture. “It’s not just about marching—it’s about reclaiming cultural spaces as well as physical ones,” she said.
Challenges in Sustaining a Movement
One recurring challenge for grassroots movements is burnout. Organizers admitted that maintaining energy and engagement between major rallies is difficult. “People have jobs, studies, families,” said Ananya Chatterjee. “We’re working on creating smaller, more frequent events so the conversation continues all year round.”
Funding is another concern. Most of the rally’s costs—including banners, sound systems, and stage setups—are borne by volunteers and small contributions from attendees. Unlike larger NGOs, grassroots collectives often lack access to sustained financial resources.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, participants remain committed to the movement’s long-term goals. Plans are underway to expand “Reclaim the Night” to other cities in West Bengal, including Durgapur, Siliguri, and Asansol. The aim is to create a state-wide network of safe-space advocacy groups.
“There’s no shortcut to changing culture,” said Rituparna Ghosh. “It will take years of consistent activism, education, and policy work. But every march, every poster, every conversation brings us closer.”
Global Context
Kolkata’s “Reclaim the Night” is part of a broader global tradition. In countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa, “Take Back the Night” or “Reclaim the Night” marches have been organized for decades to demand an end to sexual and gender-based violence.
While the contexts vary, the central message is universal: women and marginalized groups should have the right to occupy public spaces freely and without fear.
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In the flicker of streetlights and the echo of chants, Kolkata’s women and allies reaffirmed their demand: the city’s nights—and its days—must belong to everyone, equally.
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