"Women shouldn't dress like 'sluts' if they don't want to be sexually assaulted," is what a Toronto officer said to females that sparked what is known as the Slut walk. Which is a transitional movement of protest marches that started on April 13, 2011. Slut walk has become a global movement in more than 200 countries. It takes a stand against sexual injustices, victim blaming, and derogatory labeling.
In the protests, the women will dress as “sluts” in revealing, sexy attire.
These rallies are meant to be a fun time and make women feel good about themselves. Most of them offer live music, sign-making sessions, martial arts, dances, and refreshments.
On social media forums and the rallies many women talk about being rape survivors for the first time.
Ireland Rape Case
A 27-year-old man was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl. The defense lawyer explained to the jury that by the way the young girl dressed meant she consented. The defense lawyer put the girl’s underwear on display before the entire court. The man was found not guilty of raping the girl. Ruth Coppinger emphasized “routine victim-blaming” in parliament by holding up a pair of lace underwear. She wanted to show how embarrassing it must have been for the rape victim to see her underwear displayed publicly. The event shows how women’s consent is often determined on her clothing. The event led to powerful online movements among many Irish women. They began to post pictures of their own underwear with the hashtag “this is not consent”. Women join together to protest against the wrongdoings toward the young girl and join in a supportive movement.
Connection to Feminism
The Slut Walk Movement is connected to feminism because most people who participate in the Slut Walk are feminists. One goal of the feminist movement Slut Walk is to unapologetically shine light on sexual assault to the blinded eye of the public. The movement even shows how relateable celebrities are with the participation of Amber Rose, who has been a victim of physical and verbal assault. Like many women, she has found her identity through the struggles she has gone through. She has found relief in hosting her own Slut Walks.