SLUTWALK COMES TO SINGAPORE

SlutWalk is a movement of rallies across the world to protest against 'explaining or excusing rape by referring to any aspect of a woman's appearance'. Taking off on April 3 this year in Toronto, Canada, it will land in Singapore on December 4.

The protest was sparked after a police constable in Toronto suggested that to remain safe, "women should avoid dressing like sluts." Talk about a typical sexist remark. It's amazing how victim-blaming always takes centerstage and almost always, if a woman is dressing provocatively, the widespread whipsers seem to indicated that she deserved it.

No one deserves to be raped. The fact is that whether a woman is dressed provocatively or not, she can still be a victim of rape. However, what this walk aims to do is to create an awareness that women have the right to wear what they want and not worry about being raped. In a way, it is pushing society to open their eyes to rape and where the blame should fall.

If I wear a mini skirt, it is likely that men will take notice and perhaps even take their chances to try and get to know me. That is certainly alright but it does not mean that they can put their hands all over me? Slutwalk is also about respect and equality.

The movement is not saying that you can't oogle at us just because we dress sexily. What it is trying to state is that our rights are not diminished just because we dress in a certain way, provocative or not.

In some way, it is also an expression of a woman's sexuality. We all like to dress up at times, have a night out struting our stuff, but we also want to come home safe without being sexually assaulted. Shouldn't that be our right?

On the opposite end, we also need to know where we are going and with whom. Dressing like a 'slut' to work or when you know you have to pass along a dark lonely stretch of road on the way home, is tempting fate. Not that it's not your right to wear what you want but there is a time and a place.

To be honest, the real impact of such a protest (methinks) would be felt if more women come dressed in their normal everyday wear, underlining the message that you don't have to be a slut to be a victim of rape. So ultimately, dressing like a slut has no bearing on being a vicitm. Being a woman does. 

Missus Singapore out!

Missus Singapore or Miss Us Singapore (at your own peril) - A married woman on the loose

Link to full article