Join us for Take Back the Night Ottawa 2025!

Join us on Thursday, September 18 at 6:00 PM at Minto Park for an evening of solidarity, strength, and action. Together, we’ll march to raise our voices against sexual and gender-based violence and demand safer, healthier communities for all.

Where: Minto Park, (102 Lewis St, Ottawa)
When: Pre-march rally begins at 6:00 PM | March begins at 6:45 PM
Theme: Reclaiming Our Power

Bring your energy, your signs, and your voice. Let’s march together!

Why We March

We march to honor survivors.

We march for Natalie whose first night at our shelter was terrifying. Not knowing what the day would look at first but now having a home of her own and a community that supports her.

We March for Elizabeth, who lived in an abusive relationship and fled for safety. Came back to Ottawa with nothing but a one-way ticket, no home, and no hope. But at Cornerstone, they have found shelter, support, and eventually a place of their own.

We march for Jo, who was in an abusive marriage for years and finally found the strength to leave. Cornerstone is the first place they’ve felt safe since they were 17.

At this Take Back the Night, we Reclaim our Power for change and march because every woman and gender-diverse person deserves to live free from abuse, fear, homelessness and poverty. We march because safe housing is a human right.

This is why we march.

Call for Marshals

We are looking for volunteer marshals to help guide marchers safely along the route. It’s an easy role — just arrive 30 minutes early (5:20 PM at Minto Park), wear a vest (provided), and walk with us as part of the safety team.

Interested? Send us a message or connect with Mercy on the day of the event!

Schedule of the Evening

6:00 PM — Pre-March Rally begins at Minto Park with speakers, chants, and community sharing.
6:45 PM — March steps off through downtown Ottawa, joined by feminist organizations from Gatineau.
7:30 PM — Gathering at Parliament Hill.