A Catalyst for Change: The Sarah Everard Vigil

Jamie’s activism was ignited during the pandemic, a time when societal pressures and injustices became painfully magnified. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard was a tipping point. Jamie reflected;

“How small does my life have to become to make it still worth living? Am I not supposed to get deliveries because most of the delivery drivers are men? Am I not supposed to take taxis?”

In a moment of profound anger and sadness, Jamie tweeted about organising a vigil for Sarah. That single tweet catalysed the birth of Reclaim These Streets. However, what began as a call for solidarity quickly turned into a legal battle when the Metropolitan Police deemed the vigil illegal under COVID-19 restrictions. Jamie recounted, “The arrogance and the antagonistic stance of the police created a monster in me. They activated me.”

Despite opposition, Jamie and her co-organisers raised £45,000 overnight to cover legal fees and took their fight to the High Court. Although the vigil was ultimately disrupted, Jamie’s resolve only strengthened.

“If you don’t let someone like me, a white, middle-class female, protest, who are you going to let protest?”

She asked, framing the broader implications of police overreach.

A Voice for the Voiceless

One of Jamie’s most striking realisations was her ability to amplify the voices of others without being hindered by personal trauma.

“I can be the fighting warrior for victims without it being as damaging to me individually.”

This clarity allowed her to channel her energy into high-impact advocacy, leveraging her media experience to highlight systemic issues. Jamie’s tireless efforts included meeting with politicians, confronting police leaders, and speaking to international media outlets.

Her activism has also brought to light the inadequacies of existing systems, particularly regarding police accountability. “Only one in ten police officers found guilty of gross misconduct lose their jobs,” Jamie shared. “If there’s no hunger for reform, they just want it off the front pages. They have no intention of fixing it.”

The Broader Mission: Women’s Safety and Workplace Reform

Beyond Reclaim These Streets, Jamie’s advocacy extends to workplace safety and equality. She is now the Chief Communications Officer for the Tomorrow Group, a role that allows her to integrate her activism with professional responsibilities. Jamie is a staunch advocate for treating employees as whole individuals, addressing everything from menopause and childcare to workplace harassment.

“Companies need to understand that safety and well-being are non-negotiable.”

She highlighted the importance of informed consent training, robust sexual harassment policies, and counselling services. “It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating an environment where people can truly thrive.”

Shifting Shame and Societal Norms

One of Jamie’s most powerful messages is the need to shift shame from victims to perpetrators. She cited activist Giselle Pelican’s mantra, “Shame has to change sides,” as a guiding principle for her work. This shift, Jamie believes, can foster a culture of respect and consent.

Her vision extends beyond systemic reforms to societal norms. Jamie imagines a world where disrespectful behaviour is socially unacceptable.

“In my ideal world, if one teenage boy yells something at a woman, the others in the car are so embarrassed they never get in a car with him again.”

A Call for Action and Hope

Jamie’s work underscores the urgency of addressing systemic failures while inspiring a collective movement for change. Her rallying cry to organisations and governments alike is to prioritise humanity over profit. “We need to stop dehumanising each other,” she emphasised.

“The more we respect each other, the more we can flourish together.”

From organising vigils to challenging institutional failings, Jamie Klingler’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she continues her fight for reform, her message remains clear: lasting change is possible, but it requires courage, commitment, and collective action.