Share

Tanzanian female MPs banned from wearing false lashes, fake nails or excessive makeup in parliament

accreditation
False lashes
False lashes

Recently, a new policy that targets women MPs in the Tanzanian parliament, says that they will not be allowed to wear false lashes and nails because of the "health risks" these beauty treatments pose to them according to an article published on The Citizen and noted on a Cape Talk podcast. 

Parliament Speaker, Job Ndugai announced that women wearing false eyelashes and nails would not be allowed in the legislative house. He went on to say that women wearing excessive make-up, short dresses and jeans might not be allowed in either. 

The announcement came shortly after the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Faustine Ndugulile made a speech about the number of women facing health issues directly linked to wearing fake eye lashes and nails.

The premise of the ban seems to be based on health concerns for women, but certainly opens a can of worms since it strips women of their right to choose what to do with their bodies.

While dress code policies are implemented for a variety of reasons, it is the responsibility of an establishment to make sure those rules/policies are reasonable.

READ MORE: This girl was suspended for showing her knees because she needs to consider "guys and their hormones"

Sadly this is not only an issue in Tanzania. We found some other bizarre and outdated policies practiced in parliaments around the world.

1. US congresswoman are not allowed to bare arms. And no, that was not a typo meant to talk about carrying weapons. They are currently fighting for the right to wear sleeveless tops and dresses in Washington DC's Capitol building according to the article published in BBC News. 

2. Muslim women in Australia are banned from wearing burqas in parliament because the covering apparently does not "fit with the Australian way of life" . In an article published on The Telegraph, politician Pauline Hanson comes under fire for wearing one in parliament, in an effort to push the ban.

3. Israeli women in parliament are denied entry if their skirts are deemed too short- even though "too short" isn't clearly defined. This National Post article, spotlights a story about a young women being sent home after being told her above-knee length skirt was too short.

READ MORE: High heels: When a dress code impedes you from doing your job

4. The UK parliament does not allow women to wear nail art, visible tattoos or open toe shoes.

Have you ever been told you couldn't wear something that was against workplace policy, which you found unreasonable? Chat to us about it here.

Sign up to W24's newsletters newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE