Fed-up with violence against women? Tired of stereotypes that make the victim look guilty?
Join the 2017 edition of the 3km Slut Walk on 16 September at Pirates Bowling Club (entrance in Cruden Bay Road) from 10am to 1pm.
Northcliff Melville Times spoke to one of the organisers Karmilla Pillay-Siokos to find out more about this seemingly controversial walk.
The first Slutwalk was in Canada in April 2011 followed by one in South Africa in September the same year. The name of the walk came about when a Canadian police officer told university students that if they didn’t want to be raped, they should stop dressing like sluts.
Q What does the walk want to highlight?
A The idea is to challenge the stereotypical victim blaming attitude towards rape. People ask questions like, ‘What were you wearing?’ or ‘Why did you drink so much?’. This implies that the rape was the victim’s fault rather than the rapist’s choice to violate another human being.
Q What can people expect on the day?
A Survivors will describe their healing journeys in a talk. Roodepoort Child Welfare, Tears Foundation [https://www.tears.co.za/] and the Boudoir Boutique in Parkhurst will have tables on the day. There will be a 3km walk around Greenside with people chanting slogans and waving posters and banners to create awareness. No food stalls will be available. Pirates is not charging a venue fee, so participants are encouraged to support their coffee shop and the bigger restaurant around the corner at the rugby club afterwards.
Q What should people wear?
A The whole point of the march is that what you wear is irrelevant. Some people walk in their underwear while others wear normal jeans and T-shirts. Anything goes as long as it doesn’t break any laws.
Q How much will it cost?
A There is no compulsory cost for participation as individuals, survivor support groups or sponsors. Political parties and private organisations pay R500 or can contact the organisers to arrange a profit-share agreement. There will be T-shirts (R140) and bracelets (R20) for sale as well as donation boxes on the day.
Q Where will the proceeds go?
A After paying our expenses for running the march, the remaining money goes towards making and distributing care kits [for rape survivors].
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