September 2021 - New York City:
Rise, a civil rights accelerator that empowers everyday citizens to pen their own rights into existence, hosted its first ever fashion show dedicated to sexual assault survivors at the Museum of Modern Art, drawing attention to the rights of sexual assault survivors and celebrate those who advocate for survivors worldwide.
The big news of the evening was Rise Founder and CEO Amanda Nguyen telling NYC VIBE at the inaugural event that a new United Nations resolution championed by Rise was introduced by Sierra Leone that seeks to enshrine access to justice for sexual assault survivors worldwide would be introduced during the United Nations General Assembly.
The fashion show claimed the phrase: “What Were You Wearing.” In fashion, this question celebrates identity, creativity, and influence. For survivors of sexual assault, it’s used to blame them for the violence that happened to them. In one context this question is empowering; in the other, it takes away survivors’ agency. Through Rise’s fashion show, sexual assault survivors will be able to reclaim this phrase.
