Pants, Leggings, and Miniskirts are Here to Stay

Last week Malawian women stood up for their right to dress as they wish. Vendors, from the highly cosmopolitan cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre, beat and stripped the women of their clothing. Women gathered and protested by wearing what the attackers consider non-traditional clothing (pants, leggings, and miniskirts) and t-shirts that said, "Today we buy your merchandise, tomorrow you strip us naked!" (Karimi, 2012).

In 1994, the law banning women from wearing trousers and miniskirts was repealed due to the change to multiparty democracy. (Karimi, 2012).  In the 18 years to follow, not everyone has been able to conform to the beliefs of equality held by the majority of society. They maintained their old beliefs, hence, disregarding rationalization. By increasing awareness these protesters are exemplifying liberal feminism. They are reminding their community of the equality they have long fought for, and that now, is being challenged by the attacks. However,
hopefully with the support of many, including
the president, their hard work and endurance will not be in vain.
-Estefania Giron

References

Karimi, F. (2012). Malawian women protest after attacks for wearing pants, miniskirts. CNN. Retrieved January 25, 2012, from http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/20/world/africa/malawi-pants-protest/index.html