Uttar Pradesh's Proposal on Gender Specific Professions:A Closer Look at its Impact on Women's Right

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Uttar Pradesh's Proposal on Gender Specific Professions:A Closer Look at its Impact on Women's Right

16 NOV 2024

A proposal by the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has caused a stir, suggesting that male tailors should be banned from stitching women’s clothes and male barbers from cutting women’s hair. The aim, as stated, is to protect women from harassment, but this raises important concerns about gender roles, economic impact, and the fundamental rights of individuals in a society that is becoming increasingly inclusive.

A recent proposal, led by Chairperson Babita Chauhan from the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has ignited debate, suggesting that male tailors should be prohibited from stitching women’s clothes, and male barbers should not be allowed to cut women's hair. The objective, as stated, is to protect women from potential harassment, but this suggestion raises significant concerns related to gender roles, economic impacts, and the rights of individuals in a progressive society.

According to Himani Agarwal, a member of the Commission, this proposal is a result of preventing 'bad touch' plus any form of uncomfortable conduct emanating from male employees in these lines of work. Even if the purpose is to protect, it opens up very important questions of gender bias and the economic consequences.

In Uttar Pradesh, tailoring is a male-dominated profession. The suggested ban could negatively impact the livelihoods of many male tailors who rely on their craft to support their families. It may also create a scarcity of affordable tailoring services, as there are fewer female tailors available. The price of services could rise as a result of less competition, thereby limiting women’s options. Furthermore, this proposal could undermine age-old traditions passed down through generations, raising concerns about its broader cultural impact.

Women Commission’s Chairperson Babita Chauhan (Photo Credit: PTI)

The proposal inadvertently reinforces gender stereotypes, implying that men, by their very nature, pose a threat to women. This stance not only perpetuates harmful assumptions but could also deter men from entering traditionally female-dominated professions, like tailoring and beauty services. Instead of enforcing gender segregation in the workplace, society should focus on fostering mutual respect and professionalism among all workers, irrespective of gender.

Addressing harassment effectively requires education, awareness, and gender sensitization—not rigid gender-based restrictions. Programs designed to train service providers in appropriate conduct, combined with measures such as CCTV surveillance, could help ensure safe and respectful environments for women. These solutions would maintain women’s right to choose their service providers without unnecessary limitations.

Although the proposal aims to protect women, it risks undermining their autonomy and restricting economic opportunities. Safety measures should be designed to create secure environments without curbing individuals' rights or economic livelihoods. Policymakers must engage with all stakeholders—women, workers, and the community—to create solutions that protect safety while respecting everyone’s freedoms.

Ultimately, safety measures should balance protection with economic considerations. Approaching these issues in a nuanced way, rather than imposing blanket restrictions, can ensure that women's rights, safety, and opportunities are preserved without unintended negative consequences.