Denim Day – symbol of solidarity

On 30 April 2025, the world will unite once again for Denim Day—an annual event that serves as both a symbol of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and a powerful statement against the deeply ingrained myths surrounding victim-blaming. While Denim Day has its roots in a specific incident of injustice in Italy, its global reach today represents a unified call to end sexual violence and demand a world where all individuals—particularly women and girls—can feel safe, supported, and empowered.

For us at Anah Project, Denim Day holds particular importance. Our mission is dedicated to helping Black and South Asian women and girls who have survived domestic abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of gender-based violence. Denim Day provides a crucial opportunity to amplify our ongoing work and reaffirm our commitment to challenging harmful narratives around sexual violence.

The Origins of Denim Day: A Global Movement Against Victim-Blaming

The history of Denim Day dates back to 1992, when a ruling from the Italian Supreme Court sparked international outrage. In this case, the court overturned a rape conviction, citing that because the victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them—implying consent. This deeply flawed ruling, based on a harmful stereotype that suggests how a woman dresses somehow invites assault, became the catalyst for the creation of Denim Day.

In 1999, to protest this ruling and the broader culture of victim-blaming, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work. The act of wearing denim as a show of defiance against this unjust decision grew into a global movement. Since then, Denim Day has become a day where individuals—regardless of their background—wear denim to symbolise their opposition to sexual violence and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Denim Day and Anah Project: Standing Up for Survivors of Abuse

At Anah Project, our work focuses on providing essential support to women and girls who have survived violence. The connection between our mission and Denim Day is clear: both advocate for a world where women are not blamed for the violence inflicted upon them.

Sadly, many women we support face the harmful belief that their clothing, behaviour, or choices “invited” their abuse. These misconceptions create a culture of silence and shame that keeps survivors trapped in toxic cycles of violence. Denim Day offers a vital opportunity to confront this myth head-on and show the world that no one asks to be abused, regardless of what they wear.

We’re proud to be part of a growing network of organisations that are working tirelessly to create safe spaces where women can feel heard, believed, and empowered to start over. Denim Day isn’t just a day for protest—it’s also a day of education, awareness, and healing.

What Does Denim Day Mean for Women Escaping Abuse?

For women who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, wearing denim on 30 April can be a symbolic act of resistance. It’s a way to stand up and dismantle the harmful narratives that blame survivors.

Here at Anah Project, we have seen firsthand how harmful misconceptions about abuse can make it harder for women to seek support. Women often fear being blamed for their circumstances, especially when they are escaping abusive relationships or have suffered sexual violence. But the reality is that abuse is never the survivor’s fault—it is always the perpetrator who must be held accountable.

This is why Denim Day is so important—it gives us the chance to remind survivors that they are not alone and that they are believed. It’s an opportunity to show that we stand with them, whether they are just starting their journey to safety or have already found the courage to rebuild their lives.

How Can You Participate in Denim Day 2025?

Denim Day is for everyone. Whether you’re an individual, a group, or an organisation, there are simple yet impactful ways to show your support on 30 April:

1. Wear Denim: Wearing denim is the easiest and most visible way to participate. Don your favourite pair of jeans, a jacket, or even accessories in denim, and use this as a conversation starter to educate those around you.

2. Social Media Engagement: Use your social media platforms to raise awareness. Share why you’re wearing denim and how it relates to the fight against sexual violence. Tag @AnahProject in your posts and use the hashtag #DenimDay2025 to join the global conversation. Amplify the voices of survivors and spread the message that abuse is never justified, and survivors deserve support and justice.

3. Educate and Advocate: Take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about sexual violence and the myths that perpetuate victim-blaming. Attend webinars, read articles, and share the truth with your community. Encourage people to learn the facts, not the myths, surrounding abuse.

4. Donate or Volunteer: If you are able, consider making a donation to Anah Project or another organisation that supports survivors of abuse. Volunteering your time can also make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

—

The Power of Denim Day: Moving Beyond the Myth of Consent

The significance of Denim Day cannot be overstated. It’s not just about wearing jeans; it’s about changing the narrative around sexual violence and victim-blaming. Every year, Denim Day invites us to reflect on the fact that survivors of sexual violence deserve justice, respect, and empathy, not shame or condemnation.

At Anah Project, we see Denim Day as part of a much larger movement to end gender-based violence and support women in reclaiming their power. We are committed to creating safe spaces where women can rebuild their lives free from the fear of violence, and where they can heal and thrive.

On 30 April 2025, join us as we stand in solidarity with survivors. Let’s wear denim, speak up, and continue the fight to ensure that no one is blamed for the violence they experience.