Wearing jeans with a purpose

As a means to educate people about sexual violence prevention, Zonta Club of Hilo asks businesses, organizations and individuals to join them by wearing jeans Wednesday in observance of Denim Day.

Denim Day is a growing global initiative to raise awareness and educate the public about rape and sexual assault. It began in 1999 after an Italian Supreme Court overturned the rape conviction of a driving instructor because his teenage student had worn tight jeans.

Since her jeans were tight, the court said, she must have helped her attacker remove them, hence the act was consensual. Women were enraged. The next day Italian women legislators wore jeans and held signs, “Jeans: An Alibi for Rape.”

The case made international headlines, and the young woman’s jeans became a symbol of awareness. Today, wearing jeans is part of the international symbol against sexual violence, and at least 20 states officially recognize Denim Day. April also is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

To support the cause, Zontians and Hawaii County Prosecutor’s Office and County Council staff will wear denim in hope that folks ask why. On Wednesday, club members were presented with a proclamation from the Mayor’s Office recognizing Demin Day and a certificate from the council acknowledging their efforts to educate the public about rape and sexual assault.

Zonta Club of Hilo was founded in 1950. The Hilo club is part of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working together since 1919 empowering women through service and advocacy. Zonta has about 31,000 members in more than 66 countries.