Qatari women speak out on dress code
I found this article particularly interesting, because it described the problem, identified both local and expat culprits, and suggested a specific plan of action.
From the Peninsula, highlights from the article:
Some Qatari women who spoke to The Peninsula said that due to the lack of awareness or mainly due to disregard for local norms, many people flout with the Qatari Penal Code that “prohibits wearing revealing indecent clothing”. Since no action is taken against the violators, rules or laws are being flouted with.
However some argued dressing in skimpy clothes is not freedom, but rather lack of self respect. “We would say the western idea of freedom and right is twisted and is not based on truth. For example, when it comes to dressing, the so called right is more or less like what men want to see,” said Tammy, a US expatriate.
Even when dress code is debated here, Qataris are much criticised for not abiding to the Qatari customs while abroad. “These are mainly people who are ashamed of their identity. Abaya or hijab is part of culture and our culture is based on Islam, which is same throughout the world. Hence, indecent dressing while abroad tarnishes the whole Qatari community. I have gone abroad, and even recently when I visited Thailand, I was wearing the exact costume – abaya -- which I wear here. They should respect laws of other countries when abroad but at the same time try to protect their identity,” said Sara.
Majority of the Qatari women say that some of the Arab communities themselves are responsible for violating the dress code. “We feel that majority of the westerners and Asians know and understand us and respect the culture. People from sub-continent culturally they have their own modesty which is almost similar to ours. If these people are dressing badly it is because they think ‘if Arabs can do, why not we’,” says Al Ali.
“The sad part is that there are some Arab communities who mock themselves and us wearing skimpy dresses. Also some are so talented that they know how to dress exactly as Qataris and impersonate -- they actually tarnish our image. They also talk indecently when faults are pointed out,” said Hessa Al Kuwari.
SUGGESTED ACTION PLAN
1. Set up a new committee to establish and implement specific regulation with regard to dress code
2. Define exactly what modest dressing means
3. Malls should have individuals to warn people as they have people to keep out bachelors on family days.
4. While issuing visas, embassies should inform people about the dressing. They should also make strict rulings.
5. The existing laws on dresses should be activated by the authorities.
The full article
Source: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/157650-qatari-women-lament-disreg...
this is really a nice article about the dress code. And the writer exactly right there are number of people who are making the copies and fake dresses of famous brands. we are the owner of this Dress Shop and many people make the fake dresses of our designs. Which is really bad and against the law!
Albaker.Retaj--a lot of their comments are directed at other Qatari women.
and actually understand them... then make decent comments, unlike Albaker.Retard... um Retaj's above...
Where on earth do you think the "
Albaker.Retaj said
it's their land it's their country. you like it or leave lol! yup just as simple as thatRead more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/1932363#ixzz1R3H381DS it's their land it's ...
statement has any bearing on this topic?
it's their land it's their country. you like it or leave lol! yup just as simple as that
let women dress how they want..to each his own..anything imposed,whether by culture,tradition or religion is in the end an 'imposition'..nonsensical issue..
Time to order some figure-hugging abayas like many seen over here which leave NOTHING to immagination!
And totally true about many non-local arab women. They dress worse then hoookers!
“We are not asking them to use hijab or abaya. We just want them to be modest, by which we mean covering the arms and shoulders, wearing skirts at least up to knee length, and wearing loose clothes. We are asking for respect not hindering their personal choices,” said Asma Abdullah.
So, the Suggested action plan will at least be a starting point ..
Yes, their statements seemed to be at least as much aimed at fellow Qatari women at home and abroad as to expats in Qatar. That is partly why I found the article interesting--that and its specific plan of action. While I am sure that some do choose abayas and national dress abroad, I must admit that the Qataris with whom I have spent time formally and informally in the US and Europe do not. Even the Emir and his wife typically adopt elegant Western-style clothing (as demonstrated in the countless photographs of them on state visits), and I seriously doubt many people would be able to distinguish their party from others at an upscale Manhattan restaurant.
very narrow minded & doesn't represent the perspective of All Qatari Women. Thier real frustration is against the goverment & it all comes from thier insecurity
I wouldn't mind being made to wear an abaya.....never have I seen so many elegant women! Western women should take a leaf out of the abaya wearing ladies....worn properly with good deportment is far more alluring than raggedy shorts and teeshirt!!
The BIGGEST culprits in this issue here are easily the non-Gulf Arab women who flout the law giving no concern to local sensibilities simply because they feel that being Arab & sharing a common language & religion with the locals gives them the right to dress & prance around as they please so those Qatari women are spot on when they say that the biggest culprits aren't western or Asian women but other Arab women...The same goes for non Gulf Arab women walking around in an abaya & sheela with a maid in tow pretending to be Qatari,again for someone who is aware of local culture & mannerisms,they're fairly easy to spot & if not,the moment they open their mouths to speak,game over...Yes,loads of Qatari & other Gulf Arab women dress skimpily & loudly when on holiday especially in Europe but the topic of discussion here is the 'dress code' for women in Qatar...
If found the comments about Qatari women who dress differently while abroad interesting. Anyone who has flown business class to Paris can see the miraculous transformation that take place on the flight--abayas to runway models. The action plan looked interesting, too. I'm not quite sure how number 3 would work, because for the male security to be leering at the women to decide about their state of dress seems to me to violate the concept of modesty. Perhaps they would need to employ female security for this.