The SlutWalk: "We're liberal sluts and damn proud of it."

A Toronto policeman sparked outrage in January 2011 when he stated the following:”Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised.” Now not only was the statement immoral, but it came from a figure of authority, a figure that is supposed to symbolise protection, not judgement.

His words inspired the Slut Strut, a protest against women being victimised and raped because of what they wear.

Soon this became international, with women marching in Toronto, Mexico, London, Orlando, Delhi, Melbourne and South Africa. Dressing in mini-skirts, ball gowns, lingerie or simply not dressing at all, women everywhere have been adding their voice to the cause.

In South Africa, rape statistics are atrocious, with an estimation of 500 000 annually. That means women have a bigger chance of being raped than learning to read. In 2008 two taxi-drivers stripped and assaulted a woman at a taxi rank while in the Eastern Cape there are reports of women being harassed for wearing pants.

The Slut Strut, or SlutWalk has become the most successful feminist movement for the last 20 years, with massive support internationally.

Now, the biggest question: did he have a point? Is the way women dress causing attacks? Well, I have always believed in self-expression. Body modification or whatever, they are a personal choice. We live in a day and age where expecting women to dress like nuns is unreasonable, after all these are modern times and we work on practicality.

On the other hand, we also live in an age where men should have evolved from the neanderthal state and should be able to control themselves.

I support the cause 100%. Times are changing and we have no choice but to change with them.

“No matter who you are
No matter where you work
No matter how you identify
No matter how you flirt
No matter what you wear
No matter whom you choose to love
No matter what you said before:

NO ONE has the right to touch you without your consent."