Bournemouth ‘Fox Strut’ against gender-based violence

Bournemouth residents are invited to attend a ‘groundbreaking event’ dubbed the Fox Strut, which uses playful activism against gender-based violence.

Residents are being invited to take part in the Fox Strut, which will see people making their way through Bournemouth wearing orange/fox-themed clothing.

It is to be a visual celebration of the urban fox and collectively empower women who feel unsafe walking the streets at night.

The event will begin at Horseshoe Common tomorrow, which is during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. 

Photographer Jayne Jackson partnered with Lorna Rees to develop the concept.

Organisers say walking alone at night often makes women feel uneasy, vulnerable and apprehensive.

 Jayne said: “Fuelled by societal norms and personal experiences, women are unfairly scrutinised if they encounter violence or harassment, with blame often misplaced on their activities, clothing, or mere presence on the streets.”

Jayne and Lorna are creating a series of portraits showing Dorset women defiantly inhabiting public spaces in the dark. 

Jayne is currently completing a PhD at Arts University Bournemouth, exploring how to use photography in a feminist way to make positive social change.  

The project aims to represent a diverse range of women. 

Jayne commented: “Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We have a 90-year-old woman photographed putting her bin out with a fox outfit on.

“It is equally as important to empower trans women and the LGBTQ-plus community as they are equally, if not more, at risk on the streets."

She added: “I just want the event to be positive and fun and engage people in activism in a positive way.”

The Fox Strut project has roused the attention of thousands of people, with plans already being put in place to organise another event in Bournemouth and London next year. 

The event begins at 6.30pm at Horseshoe Common.

Visit www.foxstrut.org for more information.