Women Take Back the Night is an international tradition with marches and rallies occurring around the world since 1976. That year, in Belgium, women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women marched together in solidarity, holding candles to protest the ways in which violence permeates the lives of women worldwide.

Women Take Back the Night rallies have been held annually in Sacramento since 1979, which organizers believe may be a record unmatched elsewhere in the United States. The event is organized totally by volunteers, with active participation from many community based organizations in the community.

The highlight of Take Back the Night is the march when women walk through the night and reclaim the streets, which for many years have been sources of fear and violence. Another important aspect of Take Back the Night is the survivor testimonials. This serves as a safe place for survivors of sexual violence to come forward with testimonials, often sharing their experiences for the first time. The Sacramento event also provides a special program for children and an opportunity for men to come together at one point in the evening to share ways for men to help end violence against women.

Sister events are held locally on different dates in Davis and at California State University, Sacramento.

The Northern California Association for Women Take Back the Night is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation. Contributions to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Click on the Sponsor link in the column on the right for more information about becoming a sponsor of Sacramento Women Take Back the Night.