In a striking proposal, the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has advocated for strict gender-based restrictions in salons, suggesting that only female professionals should serve female clients. The move aims to prevent inappropriate contact and curb potential misconduct by male stylists and tailors.
During a recent meeting held on October 28, Commission member Himani Agarwal revealed that the proposal would require men to be barred from taking measurements for women’s clothing or cutting women’s hair. “The idea is to protect women from inappropriate touch and questionable behaviour,” she said, emphasizing that this initiative could reduce the risks of harassment in these intimate settings.
The proposal, led by Commission Chairperson Babita Chauhan and supported by attending members, calls for women-only service providers and the installation of CCTV cameras in salons and tailoring shops that cater to women. Agarwal added, “In salons, it should only be female barbers attending to female customers.”
Agarwal further stated, “The presence of men in these professions has sometimes led to molestation cases, where some men have crossed boundaries.” While she clarified that not all men have “ill intentions,” the commission believes that these measures are essential to enhance the safety of women.
Currently in the proposal stage, this plan will soon be recommended to the Uttar Pradesh government as a potential new law.
