The moment a woman steps into public space in India, her attire comes under scrutinity. 'That skirt is too short', 'that neckline is too deep', 'don't show your bare arms', are just some of the many common comments that women hear. And while they may seem like tiresome and old fashioned ideas, many a times when it comes from close family and friends is is well meant. Because if women choose to dress the way they want to here, chances are high that they will be met with stares and absurd comments about loose morals. Women all over the country have in the past and are still continuing to raise their voice against this objectification of females in the country, yet we are still far off from creating a change in these narrow minded views.Covering up as much as possible is still the norm of the day for women.
Joining the growing voice of women, ELLE and Wevolve Golbal recently came out with a video, that has since gone viral and that challenges the stereotypical ideas of how men and women should behave in society. The video has given rise to a lot of debate. While many have applauded it, some argue that in being free to dress the way they want, women need to acknowledge that there needs to be a line drawn with regards to modesty. 'An undergarment is an 'under'garment for a reason', they argue and it should not be on display. We got a few Goan women to add to the thoughts.
QUOTES
It's kind of unfair that men can roam around topless while we can't even go out in a dress without them ogling. We're in the 21st century and it's still so difficult for men to treat us with the respect we deserve and have earned the hard way. Why does it feel like the women in the 60s had far more freedom than we do now? This is not to say women do not dress up to be admired, but we deserve to feel as free as the men do. But the harsh reality is, we are never going to be allowed to. If however what I am wearing has by mistake revealed something that it shouldn't, who corrects me is also important. I honestly am fine with it if it is a female or a male friend. But if it is my manager for example, I would find it inappropriate. It depends on my relationship with the person “ Criselda Paul, student affairs supervisor
People wouldn't mind guys walking around without shirts. But if a girl has her bra showing even a bit people react like India's nuclear codes have been leaked to Pakistan. It is funny because the same Indian aunties will have their cleavage sagging from their saree blouses but will moral police us for our cleavage or bra straps. If my bras strap is showing, it shouldn't matter. People should stop being disgusted by it. Plus it's a very expensive piece of garment. They shouldn't be complaining when it shows as after all we spent half our money on it “ Zahuda Khan, student
Women should be allowed to wear whatever they're comfortable in without being made to cover up. I mean, why should they cover themselves? If they're comfortable in their attire, I don't think anyone else has the right to complain. At the same time, no one has the right to stare at us just because we show a little skin. It's our choice and we shouldn't be 'ruled' down just because you're narrow minded. Unless you're naked and parading the streets, no one should have a problem with anything you wear. Things like tank tops, hot shorts, bikinis and the like are worn worldwide. I don't see why its considered 'indecent' here. If six inches between your blouse and saree is considered beautiful, then two or three inches between your crop town and jeans should go unnoticed “ Rochelle Fernandes, student
I can definitely relate. I get self conscious at times too about what I'm wearing ( short skirt, low neck top etc). I feel comfortable in them but I don't feel comfortable when I have a 100 eyes checking me out literally in some absurd way. It's the way our society is.But it's our body , our style and we are in control of it. Of course no doubt I would also respect the other party with regards to my dressing sense for example an office meeting. I definitely wouldn't wear a short skirt or low neck top to a meeting. Or a children's birthday party for that matter. There has to be self respect and line drawn somewhere -Roxanne Coutinho
The reality is that women in India can't be care free. If for instance my bra strap is showing it's okay with me. I consider it a trend and not something that brings down my dignity. As for bending forward like to exercise, something the situation can't be helped. But if the person is deliberately bending down so as to seduce, that is another point all together - Willetta Soares, student
