India’s minister of Tourism has come in for some backlash after suggesting that foreign women who visit the country should not wear skirts.
Speaking about a ‘welcome kit’ that is handed to tourists in the country, Mahesh Sharma talked about some of the safety advice contained in it for women, which included a ‘moratorium’ on skirts.
“In that kit they are given dos and don’ts,” he said
“These are very small things like, they should not venture out alone at night in small places, or wear skirts, and they should click the photo of the vehicle number plate whenever they travel and send it to friends.
“For their own safety, women foreign tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts” he added “Indian culture is different from the western.”
Sharma’s comments have drawn some condemnation, leading to him to backtrack on the comments.
“I was speaking about religious places, like temples. I did not comment on what women should wear or not. I am the father of two daughters, I cannot put a ban on what women wear,” Sharma said.
“Such a ban is unimaginable, but it is not a crime to be cautious,” he added. “Different countries issue advisories from time to time, but I never said change anyone’s way of dressing.”