Saudi Arabia Delclares Women Only Lingerie Shops: Men Need Not Apply

Saudi Arabian Law Bans Men from Working in Lingerie Shops

Saudi Arabia – in a move to reverse the discrimination against women working in retail shops, King Abdullah has caved into pressure from female groups to end the discrimination – at least in part. Rather than simply end the work place discrimination and allow females to work in any retail store, his majesty has banned men from working in lingerie shops.

Presumably, the ban on women from working in non-lingerie shops remains in force. Saudi women have long complained that they found it very uncomfortable to purchase lingerie from men.

The ban on men in retail lingerie allows retailers to better address the needs of women. However, it does perpetuate discrimination albeit in favor of women.

“We’ll close down all shops that sell lingerie and women’s accessories if they do not fulfill Saudisation conditions,” the ministry said. “We have taken this measure to show that we are serious about it.”

The King’s official decree has now taken effect. One journalist said that women who had the means to travel abroad would often reserve their lingerie purchases until they were out of the country.

Authorities have been given the right to issue temporary closure notices if shop owners fail to comply to the regulations, the report added.

“We have taken a step by step approach in this matter. We started by educating shop owners on the need to employ women. After that we impose fines, deny computer services, issue notices for temporary closure before finally closing them down,” it said.

By some estimates, as many as 40,000 new job openings may open up to Saudi women. The men who occupied these jobs in the past were largely guest workers. The hardline clerics are fighting every advancement of women because they see their rise to equality as a threat to their establishment.

On The Web:
Women only to work in Saudi Arabia lingerie shops
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16412202