Words by Therese Mole
Photos by Gene Verona
It isn’t something new when women get stereotyped because of what they wear. Oftentimes, because of their appearance and behavior, they are blamed for being harassed and assaulted. To prove this notion wrong, an exhibit on gender-based violence dubbed “Don’t Tell Me How to Dress” displays different clothes worn by victims of sexual harassment and assault. Although some of the clothes presented were only representations of the actual clothes worn by the victims during the incident, they were still exhibited with permission from its owners.
Each photo of the clothes has a corresponding narrative and information. The cases were based on reports and news articles. As a heads-up for other survivors, a trigger warning is placed on top of each photo as it might be too sensitive for some viewers.
“In the Philippines, 14.5% of girls aged 13-17 have experienced sexual violence, according to the 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence against Children. Violence against women and children leaves a profound impact on the health, dignity, security, and autonomy of individuals. It leaves deep psychological scars that can take years to overcome. Yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence, and worse, victim blaming and shaming,” the exhibit advocates.
In partnership with XU Development Communication Society, the Department of Development Communication, and Oro Youth, supported by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, Office of the Vice President of the Philippines, Empower Philippines, Girls Advocacy Alliance, and Para sa Sining, the exhibit was earlier held at Centrio Ayala Mall, and is now being displayed at XU Peace Park.
As part of #RespetoNaman campaign, "Don’t Tell Me How to Dress" exhibit will also be going to Cebu, Bacolod, Naga, and Laguna to spread awareness and promote women empowerment.
"Sexual harassment and assault happen anywhere, anytime," the exhibit iterates. "Anyone can be a victim regardless of age and clothes."
The exhibit aims to educate people to not blame any victim for being taken advantage of and to spread awareness of the alarming rate of reported cases of harassment and assault.∎
