Foroyaa received information that an executive directive has been issued indicating that all female staff within the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies are no longer allowed to expose their hair during official working hours effective December 31 2015. Female staff are urged to use the head tie and neatly wrap their hair.
All Heads of Departments and Agencies are urgently advised to implement the directive and bring it to the attention of their female staff within their line departments and agencies. All are strictly advised to adhere to the new directive.
The Directive takes the form of advice instead of an ultimatum and warning.
The directive did not say what would happen if it is not adhered to. This directive is not based on any regulation. It is arbitrary, unreasonable and unjustifiable in a democratic society.
Foroyaa will do a voice pop to know what women organisations have to say.
Section 169 of the Constitution is very clear. It reads:
“(1) No public servant shall be –
(a) victimised or discriminated against either directly or indirectly for having discharged his or
her duties faithfully and according to law;
(b) be removed from office or reduced in rank or otherwise punished without just cause.”
Hence no woman should be victimised for not having a head tie. What would it be like for women judges putting head ties on their wigs? Food for thought!
