Does it matter what students wear on university campuses?
The clothes that students wear at university – from Tunisia in the North, to Zimbabwe in the South and Uganda in the East of Africa – are frequently the cause of controversy. Reports suggest that the campus dress police target women more than men, yet dialogue on the topic is lacking. A selection of articles and personal reflections highlight some of the talking points.
Yvonne Oyieke, the executive director of the Utu Wetu Trust, an organisation that promotes human rights and state accountability for sexual and gender-based violence, spoke to University World News about dress codes in higher education spaces, personal freedom and gender equality.
Zimbabwean student Natasha Chipudya quit law studies at the church-run Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University after attending lectures for fewer than three months as she felt that the university’s dress code oppressed women. Student leaders said there was a need for dialogue about these concerns.
Yvonne Oyieke, the executive director of the Utu Wetu Trust, an organisation that promotes human rights and state accountability for sexual and gender-based violence, spoke to University World News about dress codes in higher education spaces, personal freedom and gender equality.
Zimbabwean student Natasha Chipudya quit law studies at the church-run Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University after attending lectures for fewer than three months as she felt that the university’s dress code oppressed women. Student leaders said there was a need for dialogue about these concerns.
