After dark walk addresses women's safety

A new run/walk club has been set up in Cork city to encourage women to safely enjoy outdoor activities after dark.

The Not So Fast Run/Walk Club is organised by the UCC Feminist Society and will take place from 6.30pm every Monday evening at the Lough.

According to research published by The Game Changer Project - an initiative involving Ruhama, Women’s Aid, and the Men’s Development Network in Ireland - 41% of women in Ireland aged between 18-34 years have experienced either sexual harassment, unsolicited sexual remarks, or felt a threat of gender-based intimidation or violence when taking part in sports or physical exercise.

The research also found that 45% of women who train regularly take a wide variety of precautions, such as not exercising at night (17%), keeping their phone to hand (15%), not exercising alone (9%), and covering up in regard to what they wear (5%).

A spokesperson for the UCC Feminist Society said: “It is too easily accepted that girls and women should be solely responsible for preventing their own attacks.

“Not So Fast was set up with the hopes of giving girls a place to come and enjoy their activities after dark, while also making friends and feeling safe, supported and encouraged by others.

“As college students, each day looks different and some days our last lecture of the day does not finish until the evening when it is already dark. For girls who enjoy going out for a walk or a run in the evening, this becomes a problem.”

The UCC Feminist Society serves as a platform for debate, advocacy, and awareness-building about gender equality at UCC. It seeks to offer a safe and welcoming atmosphere for individuals impacted by gender inequality and all forms of discrimination.No formal membership or fee is required to take part in the runs.