Wearing denim to raise awareness
LIHUE — National Denim Day will be observed this year on April 30.
In recognition of National Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women, along with the Zonta Club of Kauai and the YWCA of Kauai are inviting the community to wear denim as a visible statement against sexual violence.
The groups are also inviting the public to a proclamation presentation by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami at the Moikeha Building, Lihue Civic Center, at 11:30 a.m. on April 30.
“As we build awareness for Denim Day, let us not forget that regardless of what a woman wears — or doesn’t wear — at no time is she asking to be violated,” said Regina Carvalho, president of the Zonta Club and a previous member of the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women.
Denim Day started in Italy following a controversial ruling by the Italian Supreme Court that overturned a rape conviction. The court argued that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, implying consent. In response, the women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work the following day in protest. From that time, Denim Day has become a global movement to support survivors and challenge victim-blaming attitudes.
“Denim Day is important for women’s advocacy because it raises awareness about sexual violence, challenges harmful victim-blaming myths, and empowers survivors by promoting education, solidarity and support,” said Lori Barrett, chair of the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women.
Edie Ignacio Neumiller, the Kauai Commissioner with the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, said “Denim Day is when community members, survivors, elected officials, businesses, caregivers and students wear denim as a visual statement of support for all survivors and to combat misconceptions about sexual assault.”
For more information on how to participate or show support, call Barrett with the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women at 808-212-7556, or show up in denim on April 30.
