In a world where more and more provocative images and videos are needed in campaigns to mobilise people from apathy, it’s really no surprise that SLUT walks have captured the imagination of the media. While a debate rages amongst activists online (articles can be found on the Cork Feminista Facebook page) over the pros and cons of such an action, support among CF members has been pretty positive. And I for one, am among the supporters.

Why?  Because I’m really very tired of the constant battles for my own security.

I was out over the May Bank Holiday weekend in Cork City with two very good friends. Inside in a respectable establishment we got chatting to some guys who seemed perfectly nice. A little while later my friend asked me to explain to one of them why it was wrong that he had pinched her ass while she had been on her way to the bathroom. Now some people will shout ‘pc gone mad’ but I have a huge problem with this on principle and have taken many to task over it. Back to Saturday night and I’m faced with some guy in a pub telling me ‘that if we’re going to dress like that, then we have to be ok with a few gropes.’ I’m sorry that I appeared to miss the memo that says wearing something you are comfortable in and feel attractive in means you have to give your personal security so some sleazebag can get his kicks. After a short discussion where one line started with ‘lesbian and dykes don’t wear dresses because they don’t want this sort of attention from men’ I knew I had to leave before I ended up loosing my fuse altogether. When I suggested his attention was one step away from ‘if she’s wearing a short skirt, she deserves it’ I was told to calm down. Original put down or what?

As I recount this here, my blood is boiling again at the memory of the night out – and I’m sick of it! I’m sick of people assuming that because I’m in a skirt/dress that somehow it gives them the right to disregard my rights. So I’m all up for the slutwalks because they hold a mirror to this type of behaviour and show how ridiculous it. I’m up for a slutwalk because I’m sick to death of having nights out ruined by this type of behaviour. I’m up for a slutwalk because women deserve better and I deserve better than having to fight to not be groped every night I go out.

Linda

CF are looking into the possibility of organising an event in Cork but please be understanding that we currently have very limited resources.