The recent dress code introduced by the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, banning wearing of jeans and tights on the campus, has again sparked a contentious issue surrounding the students’ clothing choices and about the prime role of educational institutions in promoting higher education in the country. The university’s administration argues that wearing jeans and tights by the students on the campus is not appropriate for a place of learning. But, there is no evidence to suggest that the type of clothing a student wears has any impact on their ability to learn or their focus in class. Instead, this dress code seems to be focusing on trivial matters rather than on the education and well-being of its students.
While the SBBWU administration’s intentions may be well-meaning, the decision has turned many a head about the clothing choices of students, who say they feel to be increasingly under the public’s eye due to their clothes. And, the decision has raised a storm of concern among the parents and the students, who say that the decision is flawed one and it will have adverse impact on their academic performance.
According to parents, it is important to consider the impact of such dress codes on female students in particular. In the most conservative Pakhtun society where women are often subjected to restrictive dress codes, the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, is sending the misguided message to all that women’s bodies are objects of scrutiny and judgment. It is crucial that educational institutions should not perpetuate such attitudes by enforcing a dress code that dictates what female students can and cannot wear.
Instead of focusing on trivial matters like clothing choices, universities should prioritize providing a safe and inclusive environment for their students. This includes fostering an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, supporting students’ mental health and well-being, and promoting diversity and inclusion. But, these elements are seen to be totally missing in the case of SBBWU, which has implemented rules and regulations that work more to suppress the students than improve their academic qualifications. As against this repressive environment, the SBBWU faculties are more given to improve their own academic qualifications by doing MPhils and PhDs than focus on the students’ academic performance. The faculties implement repressive policies on the individuals’ choices and whims to force the students to quit their education midway, ruining the future of the nation.
The implementation of dress codes for women in universities is a highly contentious issue in Pakistan. On the one hand, proponents argue that dress codes are necessary to maintain a sense of decorum and respect for cultural and religious values, while opponents contend that dress codes are an infringement on personal freedom and expression. Firstly, it is important to recognize that with the implementation of the dress codes women may face greater scrutiny and judgment for their clothing choices, which can lead to increased harassment and heightened discrimination. This can create a hostile environment for the female students, which can have a negative impact on their academic performance and overall well-being.
By placing restrictions on women’s clothing the SBBWU administration has attempted to reinforce the idea that women are responsible for men’s behavior and perpetuates the idea that women’s value is based on their appearance rather than their intellect or abilities. This sends a harmful message to young women in universities and undermines efforts to promote gender equality.
