Tanzanian woman MP asked to leave Parliament for wearing ‘Tight Pants’

Team Udayavani, Jun 4, 2021, 5:38 PM IST

Source: Twitter

In an incident that reeks of sexism, a female Member of Parliament (MP) in Tanzania was removed from the National Assembly because of her trousers that were deemed ‘tight’.

According to BBC, Condester Sichwale, a minister for the ruling CCM party was removed from the Assembly on Tuesday, June 1 after Hussein Amar a male colleague, had a problem with her clothes.

Hussein Amar, pointing at Condester Sichwale, “Mr. Speaker, an example there is my sister seated on my right with a yellow shirt. Look at the trousers she has worn, Mr. Speaker.”

The Speaker then ordered the MP, Condester Sichwale, to leave and was told to “go dress up well, and then join us back later.”

? KICKED OUT

? Tanzanian MP Condester Michael Sichlwe caused a stir in parliament in Dodoma today 'by wearing black tight-fitting trousers, and yellow top'.

Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai threw her out for wearing 'non-parliamentary attire'.

? @Hakingowi pic.twitter.com/n8vxabWLQV

— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) June 1, 2021

Hussein Amar asserted that Parliament was a reflection of society, citing a portion of Parliament’s rules forbidding female legislators from wearing tight jeans.

It was also reported that the chamber orderlies had been asked by Speaker Ndugai to deny entry to anyone who was “inappropriately dressed,”.

Another tweet claimed that the Tanzania government shares detailed dress code guidelines for all public servants.

? TODAY

✳️ After incident in parliament, Tanzania government shares detailed DRESS CODE guidelines for all public servants. pic.twitter.com/xuqPn6nJjB

— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) June 1, 2021

Below is how the internet reacted:

There's nothing "culture" about this, this is complete bullshit.

— ?ℎ??? ?️ (@ayoBDB) June 2, 2021

Which means Tanzanian society and politicians are not practical, educated, living in 2021 or embracing the METOOMOVEMENT!

— Clayton Turner (@Clayton19234061) June 2, 2021

Most of you are defending her but do you know anything about Tanzania and her culture not to mention their set house code of conduct or you are using your own cultural experience and social exposure to judge?

— ChweziRoyal???? (@ChweziRegal) June 1, 2021

I am annoyed with this. Like, really? ??
I hate it when women's clothes, bodies and decisions are policed by men. And those pants ain't tight!! Uugh. Such a mysogonistic power trip by the speaker.

— Tak ???? (@Tak_Tkk) June 1, 2021

They called it “indecent attire” claiming parliamentarians (especially women) should uphold highest moral standards in their clothing.

In specific, they said her trouser is “too tight” hence asked to leave the chamber and change.

— Mwanahamisi Singano (@MSalimu) June 1, 2021