In other worldly news, the Philippines (under a government order hailed by a labour group) has officially banned companies from forcing women to wear high heels to work…unless they feel like wearing heels for their own selves, of course.
The labour department order took effect on Sunday, as the Philippines government took up arms for shopping mall clerks, hotel receptionists and flight attendants. Employers are also advised to implement the use of “practical and comfortable footwear” to improve the health of workers who stand for long periods, said the order, which applies to heels measuring 2.54-centimetres (one inch) or higher unless the employee chooses to wear them.
“It’s a form of torture. It’s a form of oppression and slavery. Imagine having to endure that pain for eight to 10 hours a day,” said Alan Tanjusay, spokesman for the Associated Labor Unions. “It’s also a form of sexism because culturally employers say women wearing high heels look taller and sexier and are then more attractive, more effective in selling products. They don’t know the women are suffering.”
The department order also read that female sales clerks and security guards who had been compelled to work in high heels suffered from sore feet, aching muscles and “hazardous” pressure on joints. “These (work shoes) should not pinch the feet or toes; are well-fitted and non-slipping; provide adequate cushion and support to the arch of the feet; either flat or with low heels that must be wide-based or wedge type,” it said.
This definitely feels like a step in the right direction for women’s rights in the Philippines. Here’s to hoping that the Malaysian government will enforce the same law here!
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