Turkmenistan tightens dress code for women

Turkmenistan is tightening its dress code for women. Under the new requirements, married women must wear yellow shirts to work, while unmarried women must wear yellow headscarves, Radio Liberty reported.

According to the publication, workplaces in Ashgabat have reportedly made it mandatory for unmarried women to wear yellow headscarves. The official reason for the decision was not immediately clear, but the leaders said it was an “order from above.”

The dress code was introduced in early March. Those who failed to comply were warned that they could be fired. This has caused discontent among the local population, especially women.

“When will this end? When will the humiliation of women’s dignity stop?” said one local resident, who did not want to be named.

Strict restrictions on women and previous requirements

Restrictions on women’s appearance have been in place in Turkmenistan before. In 2022, a number of cosmetic surgeries, including breast implants, lip augmentation, and tattoos, were officially banned. According to government documents, nail and eyelash extensions are also prohibited.

There have also been reports of mass arrests in the capital and other cities of women with artificially modified nails or lips. They have been ordered to remove cosmetics and forced to pay large fines.

In addition, women working in government institutions have been given notices not to use cosmetics. Schools have been conducting educational campaigns to educate senior girls about the inadmissibility of manicures and pedicures.

The photo above shows young girls dressed in traditional Turkmen clothing. Their clothing consists of long, national-style dresses with beautiful patterns. Turkmen women often prefer traditional clothing. Such clothing is considered not only an expression of cultural traditions, but also a form that meets official requirements.

The current new rules serve to impose even more restrictions on the clothing of Turkmen women.

Such strict interference in women's appearance has been observed in Turkmenistan before, but this time the decisions have caused strong public outcry. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”