Swaziland bans miniskirts
SWAZILAND: Police in Africa's last absolute monarchy Swaziland
have banned women from wearing miniskirts and midriff-revealing tops
saying they provoke rape, local media reported on Monday.
Offenders face a six-month jail term under the ban, which invokes a
colonial criminal act dating back to 1889.
"The act of the rapist is made easy, because it would be easy to
remove the half-cloth worn by the women," police spokeswoman Wendy Hleta
was quoted as saying in the Independent Online news. The ban also
applies to low-rise jeans. "They will be arrested," she said.
Hleta said women wearing revealing clothing were responsible for
assaults or rapes committed against them.
"I have read from the social networks that men and even other women
have a tendency of 'undressing people with their eyes'. That becomes
easier when the clothes are hugging or are more revealing," Hleta said.
However, the ban does not apply to traditional costumes worn by young
women during ceremonies like the annual Reed Dance, where the ruling
King Mswati III chooses a wife. The flamboyant king already has 13
wives.
During the ceremony, beaded traditional skirts worn by young
bare-breasted virgins only cover the front, leaving the back exposed.
Underwear is not allowed.
The law was enforced after a march by women and young girls last
month calling for protection against a spate of rapes in the
impoverished kingdom, almost entirely surrounded by South Africa.
According to the media report, the march was blocked by police.
AFP
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