“She wants them” or “she walks around in her outfit.” How many stereotypes link women’s clothing to sexual harassment and violence? How can we disable the women’s restroom from abusive behavior and prevent it from perpetuating? As part of its corporate social responsibility focus “CPT Goes On” and on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the CPT, in collaboration with Women Act and research firm Focus Bari, conducted the first nationwide study on the link between women’s clothing and violence against women. women, shedding light on an “underestimated”, often “invisible” social problem.

Through the survey “Clothes and Violence Against Women: The Conversation Starts in Your Wardrobe”, as well as through a network of actions, PPC participates for the second year in a row in the international campaign Orange the World (from 25.11 to 10.12), a UN initiative aimed at raising awareness of the world communities about gender-based violence. Just as every year on November 25th the planet dresses in orange, the checkpoint under the slogan “Change not clothes, but consciousness” dresses its Facebook and Instagram accounts in orange for 16 days and publishes the results of a nationwide survey daily, provides food for thought, but also is an excellent basis for discussion. In the family, in the company, on social networks, it is time to speak openly and sow the seeds to break stereotypes associated with gender-based violence.

The results of the study reflect the attitude of the Greek society and different segments of the population to the problem that worries us all. They show the negative impact of perpetuating stereotypes on ending violence against women, but also allow us to consider whether we can be optimistic about the future. Of the 1,000 people aged 18 to 64 who took part in the survey, 9 out of 10 said they heard “she wants them” or “she walks around in her clothes” comments in their environment. Because 21% of respondents believe that a woman or girl who wears tight clothing or a short skirt is responsible for sexual harassment, and 34% believe that the woman’s or girl’s clothing justifies some form of harassment. And also why 1 out of 5 men believes that a woman should take care of her clothes, especially when she is in places with unfamiliar men, and, accordingly, 38% of the sample believe that women and girls should take care of their clothes, so as not to cause sexual harassment.

To challenge gender stereotypes, we must first acknowledge them. The gearbox turns on the headlights and shines where it is needed. Initiating a critical and meaningful conversation, he invites us to change our minds, not our clothes. Neither a deep bust, nor a short skirt, nor fitted clothes justify violence against women. It’s time to take her out of the closet.