Throughout the years, as a society we have been evolving towards progress. We have changed traditions and broke a number of norms as we learn to be a better society. On the other hand, while a lot of changes have been made there are still aspects which we can still improve or better yet reshape completely.
Women today are seen as strong, smart, and empowered. Yet many still do not believe in equality among men and women. The culture of patriarchy is still very much alive in many aspects of our society. Many women experience discrimination, abuse, and harassment in schools and workplaces. Even worse, sometimes female victims take the blame from these horrendous acts.
Just this year, a 17-year old woman in Ireland was raped by a 27-year old man – who was declared as not guilty. The jury believed that consent was involved as the woman was wearing a lacy thong. This angered many women as that the decision made by the jury was unfair and irrational. The issue later on in the news all over the world. Female advocates created a movement called #ThisIsNotConsent which firmly stands for victims of rape who were condemned all because of what they wore. The movement involved photos of thongs and lacy underwear which symbolized the idea of consent does not depend on what women wear.
This issue is just a portion of the huge amount of cases all over the world which involved victim blaming. Women continue to be harassed because of what they wear, when in fact dressing less does not mean yes.
Growing up, I am always reminded by my mother to wear proper clothes whenever I go outside and by proper meaning clothes that do not reveal a certain amount of skin. No matter how frustrated I am with the idea of me giving up my comfort when it should be the men who should be educated of not disrespecting women, I obeyed my mother’s advice. Regardless of what I wore, I still experienced being catcalled in the streets like many Filipinas and women all over the world – and this needs to change completely.
It is simple. As we teach young girls to dress properly, we also teach young boys to respect women and to see them as their equals and not as objects. It is the responsibility of families, learning institutions, and the media to influence young boys and girls to respect one another. This is also a call for grown men and women, to continue to educate themselves and their peers about respect.
Women, regardless of what they are wearing or how short their clothing are, should be respected. Even more, we must completely understand that dressing less does not mean yes and has never been. Women have the freedom to wear whatever they want including short dresses or lacy thongs – and are not invitations for them to harassed. Women are free to express themselves in whatever clothing they prefer and which men must learn to respect.
Today, many young girls and women are raped and are blamed because of what they wear. But it is not the way they dress that lead to these inhumane acts, it is the misogynistic mindset that women are mere objects which makes it okay for people to rape. Rape is a very serious issue that should be addressed all over the world. Many cases are broadcasted on television and so much more are swept under the rug. It is time to end this inhumane culture.
No matter how small you feel the act is, it is better to do it than to do nothing at all: Call out people who tell sexist or rape jokes, do not tolerate people who harass women, and most of all speak out for women who can not speak for themselves.
