In recent times, there has been numerous news reports of women facing backlash for the choice of clothing they wear.



The act, which has been dubbed slut-shaming by feminists, is commonly targeted at women and girls who are "seen" as violating societal expectations in terms of behaviour and appearance.



In short wearing a dress that is deemed as too revealing can make a person appear sluttish. This is according to some folks, that is.



But women have been fighting back. And fighting back hard. Here's a list of some amazing Southeast Asian women who've experienced slut-shaming and how they handled it.

Nurul Izzah Anwar

Malaysian politician Nurul Izzah Anwar was live on a local radio talk show on May 22 when a man by the name of Azrul called in.

Azrul then proceeded to school Nurul on how to dress appropriately by ensuring that her upper part of her blouse is "exposed" whenever her headscarf is swept aside.



To add insult, he then says that he can also see the politician's underwear. This, despite Nurul being clothed fully.



With many criticizing the caller and supporting Nurul for her choice of attire, the politician tweeted why it's necessary for women and men to fight against such invasiveness.

Appreciate it dear.Initially, I was taken aback. But heartened by the sensitivity and grace of so many in defence of women ewhere. Such invasiveness smacks of the sexism and harassment women have had 2 endure.We must push back , inculcate better appreciation& treatment of women. https://t.co/3LUYlN7uKU — Nurul Izzah (@n_izzah) May 25, 2018

Risa Hontiveros

This senator from the Philippines recently found herself slut-shamed for apparently dressing up like a "thirsty slut".



In a tweet that went viral, Twitter user Carlo Malonzo had uploaded an image of Risa Hontiveros by circling the portion of her thigh in red.



The group photograph of which Hontiveros was part of, was taken during the opening of the 18th Congress on July 22.

Hontiveros decided not to stay silent.

STOP 👏🏼 TELLING 👏🏼 WOMEN 👏🏼 HOW 👏🏼 TO 👏🏼 DRESS 🙅🏻‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/COkXQTAEXW — risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) July 22, 2019

The tweet has been retweeted over 10,000 times. Hontiveros was even interviewed by the BBC to give her thoughts on the matter.

"In many, if not most, or all cultures around the world to varying degrees, there is still an engrained sexism and misogyny against women," the 53-year old had said in the video interview.



"Clothing is a particularly apt and powerful symbol but also a very concrete expression of how we women express ourselves. It is a particularly easy way for sexists and misogynists to try to limit our space," she said.

Nandini Balakrishnan

You've probably seen Nandini Balakrishnan while scrolling your Facebook feed.

The host and producer at SAYS has often been out there when it comes to providing her opinions on Malaysian issues.



However, once in a while, someone would pop in the comments section to "educate" her on how to dress.



Nandini, who was interviewed by the BBC as well, had this to say to her critics.



""Slut-shaming is" so, so common. I think because women are constantly sexualised and treated like distractions to men.



"The world loves putting women in boxes, treating us like puppets, and taking away all the power just so they could feel better about themselves," she said.

Hannah Yeoh

Way back in December 13, 2018, yet another Malaysian politician had found herself in the limelight for the absurdest of reasons.

Malaysia's Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister was told to "look the part" as she didn't wear lipstick to work by Facebook user KR Wong.



Yeoh had uploaded a brand new profile photo on her Facebook page when the user decided to "suggest" the lipstick.

"Hannah Yeoh, actually you're very pretty. Can you please use lipstick when you go to work? Now you're our minister, so you must look the part lah!" Wong had said.



Here's Yeoh's extremely cool response.

Yikes. IMAGE: SAYS

Slut-shaming is a form of bullying. In fact, in some instances it can even be considered a form of discrimination.



While it's true that men too suffer from slut-shaming, majority of the people who experience it are women and girls.



If you've been having the habit of telling or commenting how people should dress and what they should wear (and this includes you too, ladies), best ditch it.



It's not cool.

Cover image sourced from The New Straits Times, SAYS, Cosmo.ph.