Making voices heard
In a society where one in three women will be raped in their lifetime, something must change. In a society where rape myths are still firmly believed, there is a need for education. In a society where every six minutes a woman is raped, there is a need for action.
Rape is any unwanted sexual intercourse. Rape is about power and violence. We must all educate ourselves about rape and sexual assault and then take action to bring about change. For, in one way or another, sexual violence affects us all.
May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — 31 days in which we can focus our efforts on sexual assault education, prevention, awareness and activism. The Take Back the Night March takes place during this month.
The year 2000 is the 22nd Anniversary of the march, which has come to symbolize women protesting all forms of oppression but rape and sexual assault in particular. Take Back the Night is a time for women to walk through the streets of Eugene; one night without fear, protest violence and making their voices heard.
Take Back the Night begins tonight at 7 p.m. at the EMU Amphitheater with a rally and then a march to the East Park Block at 8th and Oak streets, where there will be a Speak Out. To the women and men of Eugene, please come and share your voices.

Heather Mitchell

women’s studies, environmental science

Men can help
With Take Back the Night happening tonight, I wanted to address the hard work of Men Against Sexism on campus. We are small but growing, and every time someone new gets involved the circle gets bigger.
Though perhaps misunderstood, MAS is working for change in society through mutual education and support and by getting involved directly with the Women’s Center in planning Take Back the Night.
Take Back the Night is a great opportunity to learn more about physical and sexual violence and how violence affects both men and women. This event is for the community to get involved and raise awareness to help end sexual abuse and the silence that often goes with it. This issue affects us all.
I am a pro-active volunteer and feminist supporter. As a man, I urge other men to come to Take Back the Night, where there will be opportunities to hold discussions with other men, meet MAS members and march behind the women’s march. Everyone, please come show your support for those who live around you and whose stories have not been heard.

Jonathan Gudstadt

Men Against Sexism member