UP women’s panel proposes ban on male tailors and barbers for ladies: A move against ‘bad touch’

NEW DELHI: In an eyebrow-raising proposal aimed at safeguarding women, the Uttar Pradesh state women’s commission has suggested a ban on male tailors measuring women and male barbers styling women’s hair. The recommendation, which advocates for a female-only rule in tailoring and salons, is aimed at curbing instances of "bad touch" and discouraging "ill intentions" from male professionals, according to the commission.

The proposal was made during a meeting on October 28, where women’s commission chairperson Babita Chauhan led the discussion, gaining support from the attending members. Himani Agarwal, a commission member, disclosed the details of the suggestion on Friday, as reported by PTI.

"At the meeting, we proposed that only female tailors should take women’s measurements and that CCTV cameras should be installed in these areas to ensure women’s safety," Agarwal said. "In salons, only female barbers should attend to female clients." She explained that such restrictions could help prevent inappropriate behavior, adding, "Some men in these professions do not have good intentions, which can lead to molestation."

Agarwal clarified that the intent isn’t to paint all men as predatory but to address specific instances where women have felt uncomfortable. "Not all men have bad intentions," she said, acknowledging the potential sensitivities surrounding the proposal.

Currently, the commission is in the early stages of pushing this idea and plans to appeal to the state government to consider formal legislation. While the proposal has sparked discussions on the necessity and practicality of such restrictions, the commission believes this measure could create a safer environment for women in Uttar Pradesh.

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