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The Seattle Women’s Commission recognizes April 29 as Denim Day

Press release shared by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights on behalf of the Seattle Women’s Commission.

The Seattle Women’s Commission will celebrate Denim Day in City Hall on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 1:30p.m., along with the Mayor’s Office and Seattle City Council. All members of the community and City government employees are invited to join us tomorrow in wearing denim in recognition of this international day of solidarity. At 1:30 pm in Council Chambers, Councilmember Jean Godden will be joined by members of the Seattle Women’s Commission, as she presents the official City Proclamation signed by the Mayor and City Council, recognizing April 29th as Denim Day in the City of Seattle.

What is Denim Day?

The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court in April 1999, when a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.

Denim Day is about raising awareness about abuse and violence against women and children. More information about the substantial cost of rape and sexual assault can be found in the recent White House report.

What do we do on Denim Day?

Wear jeans, take photos, and post them to your organization’s social media outlets. Check out facebook.com/seattlewomen for ideas. Participating in Denim Day provides a wonderful opportunity to show solidarity with survivors of abuse around the country and to encourage open discussion in our personal and professional lives about how we can reduce violence in our communities.

We hope you can join us for this important day of solidarity!


The Seattle Women’s Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and city departments on issues that impact the women of Seattle. The Commission identifies areas of concern and recommends policy and legislation, provides feedback and opinion on issues of city and state budget, and acts as a liaison between the women of Seattle and City government. As advisors to the Mayor, City Council and City Departments, Commissioners have the opportunity to address issues of concern for the women of Seattle and to work for positive change.