Don’t miss What Were You Wearing’s nation-wide first fashion show!
What Were You Wearing are bringing an Australian-first fashion show event to the University of Newcastle this October! Sophie Jaggers has all the details, including how UON students can score free tickets.
Newcastle sexual assault prevention and education organisation, What Were You Wearing (WWYW), are debuting a first-of-its-kind exhibition and survivor fashion show this October; the ‘Surviving to Thriving’ Fashion Show.
The event is a platform crafted by survivors of sexual assault, for survivors of sexual assault,
with the primary goal of empowering survivors and challenging misconceptions surrounding
sexual violence.
Surviving to Thriving will feature WWYW’s poignant clothing exhibition, a fashion show where the models will be wearing the clothes they were wearing at the time of their assault. The nation-wide first show will also feature survivor-led initiatives, and artistic expressions of survival. Plus, University of Newcastle students can experience this inspiring and inclusive event for free!
Founded by University of Newcastle student Sarah Williams, WWYW is dedicated to educating, and advocating for victims of sexual assault. The organisation has made ambitious progress since its establishment; creating support services and spaces for survivors, generating impactful educational resources, running wide-reaching campaigns, and leading loud marches.
Earlier this year WWYW successfully gathered 20,000 signatures for their petition, demanding that RSA training be amended to include a section on drink-spiking and sexual violence awareness. In June, their driven campaign succeeded with the petition being passed NSW Parliament, ensuring the enforcement of mandatory spiking and sexual assault training throughout NSW.
Co-Director Marcie Cheers said that WWYW are excited to partner with The University of Newcastle for the event.
“The event is made by students for students. We recognise that rates of sexual assault on
campus are unacceptable, and every incident of sexual harm is one too many.
“This is why it was important that we worked closely with the students to raise awareness of sexual assault and provide support and much needed resources for them,” she said.
This event is an impactful addition to the fantastic initiatives and events run by WWYW. So, get a group of friends together, support the amazing work of WWYW, and experience a one-of-a-kind fashion show.
The show is running over three nights at the University Gallery.
Monday 2 October: 7pm
Friday 6 October: 2pm & 7pm
Saturday 7 October: 2pm & 7pm
Book your tickets HERE!
*Please note that this show is only suitable for people 16 and up. Anyone under 16 is encouraged to have a guardian. Please be aware this show will involve discussions of sexual violence, talks of SA, and experiences of what people were wearing during the crime.
Feature image provided by WWYW
