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16 Days of Activism 2022

“Was it really my fault?” asked the Short Skirt.
“No, it happened with me too,” replied the Burka.
The diaper in the corner couldn’t even speak.

-Darshan Mondkar

“What were you wearing?” Survivors of sexual assault are frequently asked this question...

“What were you wearing?” Survivors of sexual assault are frequently asked this question, which is loaded with victim-blaming and the inference that perhaps the incident might have been avoided if the victim had worn something less revealing or sexy. Uganda’s first-ever stand-alone National Survey on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and supported by UN Women’s Women Count programme in 2020 found that almost all Ugandan women and girls (95%) had experienced physical or sexual violence, or both, by partners or non-partners since the age of 15.

Program Objectives & Goals

This exhibition features clothing worn by survivors of sexual assault, aiming to spark a crucial conversation about rape culture and the fallacy of "clothing as consent." The display challenges the harmful misconception that specific attire invites or excuses sexual violence. By seeing these everyday clothes, visitors may recognize similar items in their own wardrobes, prompting reflection on the pervasive myth that changing clothes can prevent sexual assault. The exhibition's powerful message is that clothing is never the cause of sexual violence. The exhibition has been showcased in several prominent venues, including the Netherlands ambassador's residence during their Women's UN!TE reception, the National Launch of the #16Days campaign in Uganda, and the Ugandan Parliament during a high-level dialogue meeting on GBV. It was also featured at the GIZ Uganda offices for their #16DaysOfActivism movie screening and concluded its tour at the national high-level symposium on sexual and gender-based violence.

GIZ 16 Days of Activism Movie Screening

Campaign Pictorial

The National Launch of 16 Days Campaign 2022
Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Uganda,
Dutch Ambassador Residence
National High Level Symposium on SGBV

“What I Was Wearing” clothing exhibition tells a visual story of GBV statistics in Uganda...

Partners