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Three of the thirteen Sudanese Women arrested for wearing pants in public, objected to this type of gender stereotyping. They demanded a court hearing, giving the issue world-wide attention. If they lose in court, they stand to receive not only a heavy fine but will publicly receive 40 lashes also.
The problem of pants has also spread across the United States. At Chapin High, South Carolina, students cannot believe the school authorities are enforcing traditional gender roles, through what they allege are antiquated rules.
A student was informed by the principal that unless she wore a dress, or skirt, she would not be allowed to be part of the graduation ceremony. Chelsea Sarvis had dressed in a tuxedo for the school prom, without anything being said. Chelsea is the winner of the Heart of Chapin Spirit Award.
Sarvis said “If I have to walk across the stage in a dress, I'd be completely miserable and that's not how I want to leave high school”.
A Delaware high school backed down last month when a similar situation arose. Female students were allowed to wear pants during the graduation ceremony.
On the Fijian island of Bau, in the South Pacific, the Galoa Village headman, Josefa Baleinasiga has imposed a ban, where men must wear only the traditional sulu vakataga skirt on Sunday. He says “The Methodist Church and the vanua also decided to impose the ban as a means of bringing good fortune to the people, as we respect the day of the Lord”.
Baleinasiga said no pants, or clothes are allowed to be seen on the clothes-line on Sunday. He has also banned all travel on Sunday. Anyone breaking the ban will be chastised by the vanua.
“Across the Pacific, we are deeply troubled by what is happening in Fiji and the government’s approach.” reveals Mr Enright, the overseas branch of Australia’s Uniting Church, which includes the Methodist Church of Uniting World.
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) in the South Pacific. They provide high school education grants for children who are without hope. You can help in this really great project by taking a few minutes to check it the Tropical Island Treasure Chest at Win a Resort (http://winaresort.com) It really will change your life.
Feel free to contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org
