Are girls asking for “it” if they wear sexy clothing?
The question is being hotly debated on Facebook as the SlutWalk campaign reaches African shores.
It is an anti-rape campaign and the shock title has caught on around the world, with marches having already been held across the US, UK and Australia.
And SlutWalk marches are now being organised to be held simultaneously on August 20 in Joburg, Durban and Cape Town.
It all started at the beginning of the year in Toronto when police officer Constable Michael Sanguinetti, speaking at a crime-prevention meeting at York University safety forum, said “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised”.
His comment went viral, drawing outrage from women across the world.
And the result was the first SlutWalk held in Queen’s Park in Toronto on April 11.
The idea spread rapidly to include major cities around the globe and it has been described as “becoming the most successful feminist action of the past 20 years”, with SlutWalks being attended by thousands of both women and men.
In Durban, rape survivor and well-known public speaker on the subject of rape, Jes Foord confirmed that the Jes Foord Foundation will be at the forefront of the SlutWalk to be held in Durban.
“We live in a hot climate and women should be allowed to feel comfortable when they are wearing shorts and costumes,” said Foord.
“I also believe girls should be allowed to wear clothing that makes them feel sexy, without having to fear being assaulted or raped.”
She added that the march would fit in with her foundation’s theme this year: “It’s a Revolution Against Rape”.
“I have spoken to other organisers and the three cities are all going to schedule their marches on the same day. We still have to finalise details, such as the route and time,” she said.
There has been lively cyber debate on whether the word “slut” has negative connotations, but co-founders of SlutWalk Toronto, Sonya Barnett and Heather Jarvis, decided to use the word to “redeem the term”, saying women are “tired of being judged by their sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result”.
The SlutWalk has also attracted many male marchers, with George Legg, 21, at the London SlutWalk, saying he wanted to walk to show that most men respected women. “I am here in solidarity. I can control myself – I am attracted to women but I don’t feel the need to pressure them.” - Independent on Saturday