Women Safety: Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission, Babita Chauhan, recently stirred discussions with her comments on gender roles in workplaces involving women. Speaking to news agency ANI, Chauhan shared her perspectives on creating safer and more comfortable spaces for women in various work environments, such as gyms, beauty parlors, and tailoring shops. Her statements focused on ensuring both safety and comfort for women, especially when men are involved in roles traditionally associated with women’s services.
‘Male Tailors Need Female Assistants to Take Measurements,’ Says Chauhan
Highlighting the role of male tailors, Babita Chauhan addressed the growing number of men working in women-centric jobs, such as tailoring. She suggested that while male tailors can continue their work, a female assistant should be available to take women’s measurements. This, she explained, would ensure that women feel comfortable and safe in these interactions.
According to Chauhan, “Ninety percent of the tailors are men, and they take the measurements there. My only request is that you should keep a male tailor, but have a woman take the measurements.” This recommendation aims to address concerns some women may have regarding privacy while still allowing men to work in these spaces.
Unisex Gyms Should Employ Both Male and Female Trainers
UP Women’s Commission chairperson, also commented on gyms, emphasizing the need for both male and female trainers. Recognizing the increasing number of women who frequent gyms, she urged gym owners to hire female trainers in addition to male trainers. Her goal was to ensure that female gym-goers feel comfortable, especially when performing exercises that may require personal guidance or close assistance. “For women who go to the gym, my only request is that gym owners should keep a trainer, but there should be a female trainer too,” Chauhan said.
Changing Roles in Beauty Parlors
Commenting on the evolving nature of beauty parlors, Chauhan observed that the industry now employs a significant number of male beauticians, especially for bridal makeup. She noted that in the past, these jobs were almost exclusively held by women, but more men are now visible in these roles. Chauhan recommended that customers have the choice to select either a male or female beautician, but that salons should ask for written consent if a customer prefers male beauticians.
“Nowadays, the new bridal makeup is being done by boys,” Chauhan said, noting the shift. She added, “I just want to say that you should keep boys in the parlor too, but they should obtain a written statement from clients who choose male beauticians to confirm they are comfortable with this arrangement.”
Mandatory Police Verification for All Staff
To strengthen workplace security, Chauhan also stressed the importance of police verification for all employees in these women-centric spaces. This suggestion was made to enhance women’s safety and assure them that the people providing services are verified professionals. By ensuring thorough background checks, Chauhan believes that women will feel more secure when visiting salons, gyms, or tailoring shops.
Will These Measures Work?
The UP Women’s Commission hopes these new measures will help make places like gyms, salons, and tailor shops feel safer and more welcoming for women. But whether these ideas will bring real change is something only time can tell. Since these are just recommendations for now, it’ll be interesting to see how (or if) the government decides to put them into action. For now, it’s a call to both businesses and authorities to create spaces that prioritize women’s comfort and safety.
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