On 17 May 2014, hundreds of people gathered in central Warsaw for the “Marsz Szmat” (Slut Walk), a public demonstration against sexual violence, victim-blaming, and the social stigma faced by survivors of assault. The march began near the Polish Parliament and moved through the city centre, filling the streets with chants and banners demanding respect for women’s rights and bodily autonomy.
Participants carried placards declaring that the responsibility for sexual assault always lies with the perpetrator, not with the victim’s appearance, clothing, or behaviour. Many women — and men — chose to wear short skirts, lingerie, or revealing outfits as a form of symbolic protest, confronting stereotypes that link clothing to consent.
The event was part of a global movement that began in Toronto in 2011 and quickly spread to cities around the world. In Warsaw, the 2014 edition of Marsz Szmat marked the second time the demonstration was held in Poland, organised by feminist and anti-violence collectives. The march route led from Wiejska Street, past Plac Trzech Krzyży and Nowy Świat, through Aleje Jerozolimskie to Rondo Dmowskiego and Marszałkowska Street.
The protest maintained a lively and peaceful atmosphere, combining activism, performance, and artistic expression. Participants used music, body paint, and creative slogans to reclaim public space and draw attention to everyday sexism, harassment, and the lack of effective protection for women against gender-based violence.
The 2014 Marsz Szmat in Warsaw reinforced the idea that ending sexual violence requires not only changes in law but also in culture — in how society views women, sexuality, and consent.
