Women must wear bras – German court decision

The North Rhine-Westphalia state labour court in Germany has directed women employees of an airport security firm to wear the bra, trim finger nails to not more than half a centimeter and ensure that the dignity of the woman is not lost at the work place. The employees must adhere to the laid down dress code. And – the applicability is extended to include the men also – they could sport well groomed and maintained beards or be clean shaven.

Dress codes for women are always in the news. In India, several incidents of agitation by college going girls have been reported from Bhopal and Kolkata. College means freedom from the monotonous school uniforms – once in college, the girls want to wear the latest in fashion and show off their bodies. That has resulted in an increase in instances of eve teasing and sexual attacks. The blame is invariably placed at the doors of liberal dress codes that tempt the boys to resort to avoidable incidents.

However, insisting on a dress code at the work place is probably taking things a bit too far. Any employee should have the right to wear what she or he feels comfortable in. A long fingernail is hindrance to normal activities and unkempt beard or disheveled hair presents a bad impression on any observer. The employees should, therefore, take necessary action on their own without the intervention of the court.