‘What Were You Wearing?’ – Using Fashion to Challenge Victim-Blaming in Sexual Violence

Mary Nnah

What Were You Wearing? is a groundbreaking film that confronts the harmful belief that a person’s clothing justifies sexual violence. Written, produced, and directed by Ijeoma Okochi-Agwu, who also stars in the film, this modest but powerful production challenges societal norms, sparks conversations on gender-based violence (GBV), and shifts the narrative from victim-blaming to consent.

At the heart of the film is the intersection of fashion and social change, using clothing as both a visual and symbolic tool to dismantle myths around sexual violence. The film poses a critical question: If you think she was asking for it, then why couldn’t you? This thought-provoking message aims to dismantle misconceptions around sexual violence and empower survivors by redirecting accountability to perpetrators.

What Were You Wearing? exposes the dangerous assumptions that link clothing to consent. The film visually challenges the notion that a survivor’s clothing determines their experience, reinforcing the message that fashion should never be weaponized as a justification for violence.

With a close-knit cast of five, What Were You Wearing? was brought to life through passion, collaboration, and a commitment to social change. The film has received support from organizations such as GiZ and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and has been featured in international film festivals, advocacy campaigns, and global awareness initiatives.

Beyond screenings, the film is set to be integrated into police training programs to enhance officers’ understanding of GBV, improve case management, and promote a survivor-centered approach in law enforcement.

What Were You Wearing? has gained international recognition, premiering at film festivals in the Caribbean and Europe. The film has been prominently featured during global advocacy events such as the 21 Days of Activism and the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Completed in July 2021, it continues to serve as a powerful tool for awareness and change in the fight against gender-based violence.

Despite operating on a minimal budget, the film effectively uses fashion and visual storytelling to drive home its message. Through strategic partnerships, it continues to reach wider audiences, serving as a tool for advocacy and education on consent and gender-based violence.

“What Were You Wearing?” is more than just a film—it is a movement. By using art and storytelling to challenge entrenched societal norms, we can create a world where survivors are believed, and justice prevails,” says Ijeoma Okochi-Agwu.