Kristen Clifford, an Ohio University junior, said she was marching because she wants women to feel safe at any time of the day.
OU senior Monica Ganguly said she was marching to show solidarity with other women.
Julee Vanfossan, wearing a T-shirt that says Love Shouldn't Hurt
said she was marching because her sister was a victim of domestic violence. She was one of 13 women from the Rural Women's Recovery Program in Columbus who came to Ohio University for the Take Back the Night Rally and March.
On the 25th anniversary of the march at OU, about 100 other women marched for many reasons, mainly to protest violence and oppression against women.
The focus of this year was Remembering the Past Focusing on the Future with an emphasis on current problems at OU.
We remember where we were and the obstacles we have overcome so that we can make it better for our children
said Linsey Pecikonis, the women's affairs commissioner, who organized the event.
The march began with a silent procession down Jeff Hill to honor victims of violence. As most of the women reached the bottom the drums and chants began.
Male supporters followed biking and running to stay ahead and were waiting with signs and banners at several stops of the march.
The marchers then wove through South Green and West Green before marching to Court Street.
The congregation of women was smaller than in past years, Ganguly said, but there was still enough to stop traffic.
In the past there has been some tension between the marchers and bystanders and in past years people threw things from windows, Ganguly said. However, when the women reached Brown Hall on South Green -one of the traditionally tense areas -men were outside clapping for them.
However, some bystanders did jeer, on College Street a young man booed them and several men on the balcony invited them to join their party.
When they reached College Gate, a few women shared their stories with tears and cheers. One woman held up her cell phone and asked every one to give their support to a rape victim.
Colorful t-shirts were strung on the West Portico of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium and College Green to recognize victims
Rev. Jan Griesinger, director of United Campus Ministry and a feminist activist in Athens, said this is the biggest single student activism on campus. She spoke about the connection women on the first march in 1979 have to the women today. While much has changed, We're still marching for the same reasons
she said.
We're here to take back the night
and we will do that
she said. She ended her speech urging the women to take back the whole damn day as well.
Griesinger discussed several problems that women are still fighting for on campus, such as a women's center and self-defense classes for credit.
Senior Marisa Long spoke about the effect of the march during her four years.
I have learned a great deal from the women who are in the crowd today
Long said, As well as the women who have been in past crowds
but whose hard work
leadership and messages carry on.
