Namibia’s 1st Slut Shame Walk

A group of local women organized Windhoek’s very first Slut Shame Walk.

The march will start at Ausspannplatz circle tomorrow from 8:00 am to 12:00 am. The theme is embracing womanhood through sisterhood, while at the same time advocating for safety.

Slut Shame Walk is a transnational movement calling for an end to rape culture, including blaming and slut shaming of sexual assault victims. The aim of the group is to raise awareness, on the fact that woman are not safe in the country. The Slut Shame Walk also aims to create an opportunity for woman to share their experiences of sexual violence and stigma in Namibia.

“We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in-charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.”

The dress code is to come dressed as you are, but less is more. For example, you can wear your short shorts, miniskirts, fishnets, crop tops, sports bra, etc. Anything you are comfortable with.

The Slut Shame Walk is only the first step in a greater effort to empower our women to speak about and address the ongoing violence inflicted on them and can show our national leaders the importance of encouraging open dialogue around these matters. This movement is organized by Nsozi Mwazi, Venicia Shanjenka, and Arlana Shikongo.