How we can change “What were you wearing?” to “I believe you”. Sarah Williams is an Awabakal woman and the founder of “What Were You Wearing Australia,” her work challenges the deeply ingrained myths of rape culture and explores how we can end victim blaming and rape in a generation. Sarah has succesfully changed state legislation, led hundreds of thousands in rallies against men’s violence and become a instrumental advocate in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector. In her work and this TEDx talk Sarah has made her voice heard. Sarah Williams is 22y/o Awabakal woman,and the founder/CEO of What Were You Wearing Australia (WWYW). WWYW is a non for profit organisation providing education, awareness and advocacy on sexual violence.
Sarah successfully made legislative change to the NSW RSA, mandating drink spiking prevention training for bar and security staff. She did this by collecting over 20,000 signatures and triggering a parliamentary debate, where she received cross party support from the government. In April 2024, Sarah led 17 national rallies which saw over 100,000 come to the streets to rally against men’s violence. She has become a instrumental advocate in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector.
Since beginning her advocacy journey she was awarded 2023 Newcastle Woman of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year NSW/ACT 2023 and NSW Volunteer of the Year 2022. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx