Nudity for protest

From dresses on statues in Denmark to topless feminist marches in Paris, activists are using the human body to send a message

- VAISHALI DAR

Protests are turning dramatic. Like, getting nude. When activists strip away clothing, they force society to confront uncomfortable truths about power, gender, and injustice. The body becomes both symbol and message, representing vulnerability, defiance and resistance all at once. However, across continents, protesters have repeatedly turned to nudity to challenge authority and highlight inequality.

While nudity has long been a signature tactic of feminist movements, recently, one of the most visible examples came from the activist group FEMEN, known for staging topless protests against patriarchy, authoritarianism, and sexual violence.

This year, the group protested against individuals in the Epstein files in Paris, and in November last year, they protested against Shein for selling controversial dolls, besides staging actions in solidarity with various international liberation movements.

To mark International Women's Day this year, the group of women protesters appeared topless, wearing white collars, pig masks, and fake male genitals to denounce patriarchy. The demonstration happened at the Louvre Pyramid in Paris with a focus on politicians, business leaders, and celebrities, all those implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein case chanting slogans like 'Team Epstein,' 'Femen Exposes the Pigs,' and 'Get Them All' painted across their chests.