It started as an act of defiance which rapidly spread across the world.
Next month ”SlutWalk” returns to Edinburgh with high hopes of attracting record numbers. At the helm of the enormous protest march is Dundee University student Nicolle McSaveney (20).
She is busy making final preparations for the event which ignited in Canada last year after a Toronto police officer suggested women would not be raped if they avoided ”dressing like sluts”.
A wave of anger swept across the world and the SlutWalk movement was born, aimed at raising awareness of rape and sexual abuse.
For Nicolle, who has herself been the victim of sexual abuse, the march is something she is passionate about.
”I have always stood up for women’s rights and I do have experience of sexual abuse and I know a lot of people who have gone through it,” said Nicolle, who is originally from Motherwell.
”SlutWalk aims to stop women being judged for what they wear, being attacked for what they wear and being blamed for rape.
”It’s always women who are degraded for what they wear. I do think that some people can say some women dress promiscuously and that could be right but that is their choice and they consent to that.”
Around 1000 people are expected to take to the streets of the capital on Saturday July 7, marking a three-fold increase on the previous year.
Most will travel from across Scotland to take part and bring placards which last year displayed slogans such as ”No means no, no matter what I’m wearing.”
Controversy has never been far from SlutWalk, with critics claiming the march could damage the cause it seeks to promote with some of those who have taken part in previous demonstrations doing so in their underwear.
However, Nicolle says the name is supposed to attract attention and the choice to wear what you want does not mean you are at fault for sexual abuse.
She explains: ”The name is supposed to be ironic, it’s supposed to show that we can use the word ‘slut’ any way we want and you’re not allowed to call us that. We’re trying to reclaim the word.”
Edinburgh’s Slutwalkers set off at 1.30pm from West Parliament Square, down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament where a series of speeches will be read outside.
To take part see the SlutWalk Edinburgh Facebook page or on Twitter at @SlutwalkEdin.