The 'Don't Tell Me How to Dress' Exhibit Explains Why the Blame Shouldn't Be on the Victims
It's the 20th century, and we have come a loooong way fighting for women's rights and gender equality. Although we enjoy the same freedom as men, we cannot deny that there's still stigma surrounding some sensitive subjects — like sexual harassment and rape.
Cases of sexual harassment and rape have always incited arguments online of who's at fault and who's to blame. Sadly, almost always, fingers will be pointed at women who are the victims.
In an attempt to start a discussion against victim-blaming, Respeto Naman, a nationwide campaign that aims to wipe out all forms of violence against women, is holding an exhibit entitled, "Don't Tell Me How to Dress."
The idea started in Thailand when Thai-American celebrity and host Cindy Sirinya Bishop used her influence to address the issue.
The installation shows clothing items that different women were wearing at the time of harassment and sexual abuse, alongside a short description of what happened.
You will find that most clothes weren't even "too sexy" or "showing skin", and that victims were across all ages and social class — proving that these deplorable incidents happen not because of how women choose to dress but because men don't have the decency, or even the ability, to control their urges.
As Vice President Leni Robredo said, "There is rape because there are rapists."
Since last year, the exhibit has been going around different shopping malls in the country. You can catch it at Level 2 Atrium of The Podium until March 24, 2019.
Here are a few photos from the exhibit
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