No male tailors, trainers, barbers for women in UP? New safety proposals underway

The Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission has proposed a series of bold suggestions aimed at increasing safety for women in public spaces. These proposals, which include banning men from taking women’s measurements at tailor shops, cutting women’s hair, or training them in gyms, aim to address rising concerns about "bad touch" and the intentions of some men. The proposals were discussed at a meeting held on October 28, and have since been sent to district magistrates across the state for implementation.

"Bad touch" in public spaces

Babita Chauhan, the chairperson of the UP Women’s Commission, explained the rationale behind the guidelines to PTI, citing increasing complaints about “bad touch” in gyms and boutiques. “What we are saying is that it isn't a problem if the tailor is male but only women should take measurements,” Chauhan said.

The commission wants to make sure that certain services, particularly those involving personal care and physical proximity, are handled by women. This includes ensuring that women’s gyms and yoga centres employ only female trainers, and that CCTV cameras are functioning at these establishments for added security.

Mandatory female staff and security

According to the proposal, boutiques that sell women’s clothing should have female tailors to take measurements. Additionally, shops selling women’s clothing are required to hire female employees. The commission also recommends that drama centers and school buses have female teachers or security guards.

“We are aware that trained women will have to be employed at all these places and this might take some time,” Chauhan acknowledged. However, she believes the proposals could create more job opportunities for women.

Mixed reactions to the proposal

While many welcome the idea, the proposal has received mixed reactions. Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar expressed concerns about limiting individual choices. “I don't think this is a justified decision as it should be an individual choice on whether one prefers a male or a female to attend to them,” she said, adding that ultimately, it should be up to the customer to decide who they want to be served by.

However, social workers like Veena Sharma and Mohsina Choudhary supported the move, saying that many women face harassment while getting measurements taken at tailor shops. “There are many complaints of women being harassed while giving measurements at tailor shops. The proposal should be law,” said Sharma, a district coordinator for Mission Shakti, a government women’s empowerment initiative.

Support from small business owners

Business owners also had their say. Supriya Kohli, who runs a boutique in Lucknow, commented, “Usually there aren’t any objections on the issue of who is taking measurements, but we do have women take measurements if the client demands it. There is nothing wrong with the move per se.”

While it remains to be seen if these proposals will turn into law, they have sparked an important conversation about women’s safety and the role of men in certain public spaces. The UP Women's Commission continues to push for greater protection for women, stressing the importance of creating environments where women feel secure and respected.

Inputs from PTI