The number of reports of street harassment, rape, and murder against women are on the rise in Nagaland, India. In response, the Dimapur chapter of Naga Women’s Hoho has asked women to stop wearing “indecent” clothing so “that they do not attract or provoke crime.”
It feels like I’m reading The Onion. But I’m not. This is real life.
Via Indian Express:
“A resolution passed by the organisation in Dimapur last Sunday said it would take ‘suitable’ action against women seen wearing indecent dresses.
‘This is not just an advisory to young girls but for the attention of all women, young or old. Our resolution has clearly said that it is important to dress modestly and decently. That may not be the ultimate solution to prevent crimes ranging from eve-teasing to molestation, rape and murder, but is definitely one of reducing such crimes,’ Hukheli T Watsa, president of the Naga Women’s Hoho, said over telephone from Dimapur.”
This attitude is exactly why Blank Noise has an I Never Ask for it Campaign through which women show the clothes they were wearing when they faced harassment. The display demonstrates that they are harassed in “modest” clothes, too.
That kind of attitude is also one reason why there are SlutWalks across the world (including India), where women and allies can show that no one “asks” for harassment or assault just by dressing a certain way.
It’s crazy that we have to spend our time and energy noting that it doesn’t matter what we wear.
As long as there are harmful women-hating attitudes, a general disrespect for women, and a culture that doesn’t deter or punish perpetrators of gender-based crimes, those crimes are going to continue regardless of our clothing.
It may be more productive if folks in Nagaland spent their time and energy bringing the Parivartan program to their town instead of policing women’s clothing. The Parivartan program aspires to reduce gender-based violence by working with men and boys through India’s popular sport of cricket.
Let’s work to change gender attitudes, not articles of clothing.
