SOUTHERLY GALES, driving rain, low tops and high hemlines don’t quite mix, but the forecast did not deter several dozen participants in Ireland’s first official “slut walk” through Galway yesterday.
In fact, the irony of the elements wasn’t lost on members of NUI Galway’s Feminist Society and the student union, who opted for striking rather than scanty clothing during their walk through the city centre.
Bearing whistles, balloons and placards, they elicited an enthusiastic response from lunchtime shoppers and secondary school students on their break.
The group, which aimed to highlight the right to freedom of expression and appearance, regardless of sex, was supported by Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland (RCNI). This particular form of protest for women’s rights originated earlier this year in Toronto, Canada, in response to reported remarks by a policeman that “women should avoid dressing like sluts” to remain safe.
NUIG equality officer Will O’Brien said the date was picked to mark the college’s equality week and to highlight the fact that women’s dress should not provoke sexual attacks, name calling or other negative responses.
NUIG Feminist Society vice-auditor Caroline Forde said publicity for the event had prompted heated debates on social networks over the last few weeks, with most focus on the use of the word “slut”.
“We’ve no problem with people giving their various viewpoints on the use of this word, once the central focus is on our main message,” she said. She welcomed the fact that several male students participated, noting the feminist society has several males among a membership of almost 200 since its foundation just last year.