In India, 25 men in their 20’s restored my faith in humanity when they marched through their town in skirts to condemn victim-blaming and to say that wearing a skirt is not an invitation for rape. Their walk name? Skirt the Issue.
A crowd of 100 gathered at the end of the walk and the men pledged: “I promise that I will be sensitive to gender issues in the way I speak and act. I promise not to be passive. I will step in if I hear offensive speech or views. If I see something wrong happen in front of me, I will create a discussion and talk about my beliefs.”
One of the participants, Adithya Mallya, said, “Clothes and personal attitudes cannot cause sexual assault. Don’t waste time highlighting elements that have no importance. Instead address areas which require change.”
Another participant, Deepak, declared, “We joined the issue to share our voice, facilitate an awakening and stir the consciousness of narrow minded. Rape is not always determined by circumstance. It is our duty as men to take responsibility for our unforgivable actions.”
