Orlando, FL— Anna is well known for her advocacy on women’s issues, and today the Democratic candidate for Florida State House District 47 is joining millions around the world for #DenimDay.
Denim Day is a global effort to honor victims of sexual assault and encourage conversation on the misconceptions that surround sexual violence. This movement started in the 1990’s, when an Italian Supreme Court overruled a rape conviction, stating that the victim must have assisted because jeans are too difficult to remove without assistance.
The women of the Italian Parliament protested this injustice by wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim, and ever since, Denim Day has been an international movement to shift the conversation on sexual violence misconceptions.
“Every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted and that is purely based on what we know,” said Anna. “We are experiencing a national reckoning with sexual violence, and It has become ever more apparent and important that we present a path forward where all people can live a life free from abuse and control.”
Sexual harassment and assault often go unreported, and as a result generations of survivors have been forced to adapt to their uncomfortable work and social environments, while bystanders either try to ignore the situation or worse — play the role as enablers. Late last year, Anna outlined three intentional steps that citizens and lawmakers can take as a community to curb abuse and control. You can read her case here.
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More About Anna
Anna V. Eskamani is lifelong Orlando Native and daughter of immigrants who has worked relentlessly her entire life to protect all members of our community through effective advocacy, bold leadership, and strategic management. A community organizer with a proven track record in building consensus while fighting unapologetically for progressive values, Anna currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.* She manages a team across 22 counties and is known in the legislature and across the nation as an advocate for women’s health and equality. Anna is also a PhD student in Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida and serves as an Adjunct Professor teaching Intro to Women’s Studies. Tough, authentic and unafraid, Anna is a progressive who has proven herself as a leader who works hard, delivers results, and gets things done. Anna has been featured on the cover of Time magazine.
*Provided for biographical purposes only