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Although it is now quite common for women to wear trousers, we still often see flight attendants working in skirts. According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Taiwan, this needs to end quickly. The human rights organization argues that being required to wear a skirt is a form of discrimination and could also be dangerous, as well as provoke sexual harassment.
Human Rights Commission reprimands Taiwanese airlines
According to the NHRC’s research, the country is lagging behind. The press release states that “nearly 100% of airlines in Europe, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia offer both skirt and trouser options as part of the uniform.” However, this is not the case in Taiwan. Moreover, the country has signed a treaty stating that the government will actively work against any form of discrimination against women.
This advice did not come out of nowhere (no pun intended). The Taoyuan Flight Workers’ Professional Union already raised the issue with the human rights organization in August 2023. According to the union, most female flight attendants in Taiwan are required to wear skirts, stockings, heels, and makeup. They call this not only sexist but also dangerous. The women would be less able to react quickly in emergency situations due to these clothing requirements, while they are often allowed to wear trousers during training. The National Human Rights Commission adds that the current dress code increases the risk of sexual harassment and objectification.
Pressure on Taiwanese airlines
It’s striking that this report was even necessary. When the union approached the human rights organization a year ago, the issue already made widespread news. The government found the situation of the flight attendants so severe that, in November 2023, Taiwan froze part of the Civil Aviation Administration’s budget. However, withholding an equivalent of 1.55 million dollars apparently wasn’t enough.
Since then, several major airlines, such as EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines, have announced that they will take action. They claim they will consult with the women in their organizations to assess whether the dress code needs to be changed. And if so, what exactly should be done.
This is rather ironic, given that the union raised the issue because female staff had already complained. Typically, employees approach a union when their employer fails to take their complaints seriously. But now, airlines suddenly feel it’s time to listen to their staff. Even though the human rights organization and the government have clearly indicated what needs to change, the companies apparently still want to hear it directly from the women themselves.
A curious situation
I find it curious how these women are being treated. Not only are their complaints not taken seriously, but the union’s stance on their appearance is also quite striking. The union argues that wearing a skirt increases the likelihood of objectification and sexual harassment, as if wearing trousers would protect women from unwanted advances. This suggests that a woman wearing a skirt is somehow responsible for how men perceive and behave towards her.
They say the dress code is outdated. But in my opinion, they still have much to learn about women’s rights in general…
Greetings,
Aileen