Dress code idea is a civilised trend
Jun 22, 2008
EDITOR—It is very refreshing to learn that a dress code for Makerere University is in the pipeline. I am certain this news has been greeted with laughter and scorn in many women’s halls of residence.
EDITOR—It is very refreshing to learn that a dress code for Makerere University is in the pipeline. I am certain this news has been greeted with laughter and scorn in many women’s halls of residence.
There are also lots of stories of varying tones from the men’s locker-rooms. To many a reader, the move to establish a dress code may be seen as an infringement on fundamental freedom—but I think it is far from any violation. Whether or not the university will succeed in implementing the dress code is not my main concern here.
Those who scoff at the new measure will be charmed by predictions that it will not work even for a week.
However, the introduction of a dress code will be a reminder to, especially female students, that decent dress is one of the proprieties of civilised life.
It is not only Makerere that is moving to place restrictions on dress. Many institutions have dress codes because they are aware that improper attire may portray a negative corporate image or reduce employee concentration.
It is not true that the dress code issue is a distraction from more important matters the university needs to deal with. Implementing a dress code is not only part of the solution to sexual harassment but one that certainly helps young women to see themselves in a new light—and not as mere fashion toys out to display their bodies for gawkers that care to look.
Those who choose to go around scantly dressed have a certain level of society they seek to attract and they may do so without any hindrance, but not in lec university lecture rooms.
C. Makanga-Sendegeya
Kampala
There are also lots of stories of varying tones from the men’s locker-rooms. To many a reader, the move to establish a dress code may be seen as an infringement on fundamental freedom—but I think it is far from any violation. Whether or not the university will succeed in implementing the dress code is not my main concern here.
Those who scoff at the new measure will be charmed by predictions that it will not work even for a week.
However, the introduction of a dress code will be a reminder to, especially female students, that decent dress is one of the proprieties of civilised life.
It is not only Makerere that is moving to place restrictions on dress. Many institutions have dress codes because they are aware that improper attire may portray a negative corporate image or reduce employee concentration.
It is not true that the dress code issue is a distraction from more important matters the university needs to deal with. Implementing a dress code is not only part of the solution to sexual harassment but one that certainly helps young women to see themselves in a new light—and not as mere fashion toys out to display their bodies for gawkers that care to look.
Those who choose to go around scantly dressed have a certain level of society they seek to attract and they may do so without any hindrance, but not in lec university lecture rooms.
C. Makanga-Sendegeya
Kampala