On Saturday the 29^th of July, hundreds of Turkish women took to the streets of Istanbul to march in a protest dubbed ‘Don’t mess with my outfit’, in protest of increasing violence and hostility from men over insistence of women being more conservative in their dressing.

Women clutched denim shorts on hangers, as symbols of items of clothing deemed ‘unacceptable’ as they chanted slogans,

“We will not obey, be silenced, be afraid. We will win through resistance.”

There have been reports of increased verbal and physical attacks on women because of their choice of dressing.  In two separate incidents, a young woman, Asena Melisa Saglam, was attacked by a man on a bus during the holy month of Ramadan for wearing shorts, as well as Aysegul Terzi who was also kicked on a bus for wearing shorts, and called a ‘devil’ – the perpetrator also stated that those who wear shorts ‘should die’. Another young woman Canan Kaymacki was harassed and accused of wearing provocative clothing and ‘turning people on’.

There were also women protesting against the criticism they have received on the opposite end of the spectrum for choosing to wear Hijab. Posters held by protestors read

 ‘Don’t meddle with my scarf, my shorts, my outfits’.

Although Istanbul has always been considered a liberal city, there has been criticism against the government, that they are not doing enough to expand on the rights of minorities, especially women – that they are intolerant of opposition.

Women’s dressing choices have long been policed by men in general – however it is utterly shocking that young women in turkey are at risk of such violence because of their dressing. It is not about covering up or not covering up, it is about our choice and freedom to wear whatever we want. The fact that there is becoming a lack of freedom highlights an inherent problem. Whatever women wear, they are criticised and policed. Marches like these are important to highlight and serve a reminder that we are entitled to our right to dress however we choose.