RHWACA @ SlutWalk London

On Saturday 11th June Slutwalk finally hit London. The message travelled along the streets of the capital and was echoed down Whitehall by the 5,000 protestors; we have had enough of being victimised, we will no longer carry the blame of the rapist, and we will speak up about it. It all started in Toronto with the advice of a police officer to a group of students, claiming that in order to avoid being raped 'women should avoid dressing like sluts'. Slutwalk posed a direct challenged to this ridiculous, widespread misconception. But there was also a broader statement, an acknowledgement of a government campaign being pushed forward targeting the reduction of women’s civil liberties. This was a demonstration against Ken Clark, Nadine Dorries and overwhelmingly against the government cuts facing women. The context was clear, as one sign declared ‘Pro-choice: Abort the Tory’s’. It is time for women to gain in society, not to regress further.  Laurie Penny (self appointed spokesperson for a generation) commented in her rousing speech, ‘There is a backlash against female sexual agency. People are frightened of female sexual power. We are here to say no to that backlash.’ The no was resounding.

Advertising posters asked marchers to ‘walk, roll, holler or stomp’ and the crowds certainly delivered! Reclaim the Night songs were recycled and classic variations created, such as ‘When the sluts go marching by.’ The marchers were vibrant and forceful, and most notably incredibly diverse, in age, race, gender and sexuality with the Women’s Institute marching alongside the Queer Resistance. Royal Holloway delegates from the Feminist Society and Women Against the Cuts groups walked in the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts Women (NCAFCW) block in solidarity against current austerity measures targeting women. Their placards declared ‘no women’s liberation without socialism, no socialism without women’s liberation’ and highlighting statistics such as the fact that over 50% of women's services face closure. Public sector jobs are currently at risk, 65% of which belong to women. The targeting of one sex is entirely disproportionate.

Marchers had different agendas: Some women attempted to reclaim the social construct, some showed the words farcical nature and to many it was not about the marches title. The variety of clothing emphasised the message, ‘whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no.’ Statistically only 4% of rapists remember their victims clothing. Signs ranged from jovial to emotive but all served to re-enforced the message; we need change.

The march culminated in a rally on Trafalgar Square, opened by organiser Anastasia Richardson. Speeches were delivered by a variety of groups, including Gender Action for Peace and Security, Black Women’s Rape Action Project, and the English Collective of Prostitutes, which followed the traditional debate over sex work decriminalisation. Many speakers referenced the cuts; illustrating the affect to female asylum, to education and to disability provisions. But key to this anti-rape march were the cuts to vital women’s services, primarily concerning rape and domestic violence centres.  Devon county council recently announced plans to reduce funding for domestic violence support services by 100% and Liverpool Rape Crisis Centre has also received 100% cuts, with many other centres nationwide receiving unredeemable damage. The threat of violence and rape to prostitutes was a key point, highlighted by their lack of protection in law. Under the current government agenda single parents are the worst group affected, the vast majority of which are mothers. It is estimated 70% of prostitutes are also single mothers. The cuts are pushing women increasingly into dangerous situations and taking away the provisions to help them. Rape and domestic violence shelters are a necessity and not a luxury. The NCAFCW additionally highlighted the need for ‘campaigns to defend and extend women’s services, sex education and the social provision to make liberation a reality.’

This year’s event has culminated in a ‘Slut means speak up’ campaign, which is currently focussing on improving the 90% rate of unreported rapes and the 6.7% conviction rate. As we dispersed over London each of us carried forward the message. Discussion groups have since materialised aiming to maintain the debate; this is only a stepping stone. The nature of Slutwalks has made feminism relevant and re-engaged a generation. A large banner dominated the skyline of the crowd, declaring: ‘feminism: back by popular demand!’ This movement is still very much alive, continuing on its journey around the world. Slutwalk hasn’t provided an answer but it has provided society with questions; a renewed incentive to query social norms. And while the national media had little to report, discussion columns and reader letters have dominated. The power of the people is putting it back on the agenda.


Vicky Iglikowski