Tajik govt tells women ‘the right way to dress’

The government of Tajikistan has published a book featuring the right way to dress for women.

According to reports The “Book of Recommendations” is published by the Ministry of Culture, and is filled with photos of models wearing outfits suitable for “women from seven to seventy”.

The book goes on indicating and advising the female population what is termed suitable to wear at work, holidays, and weddings. It has a chapter dedicated to attire which is suitable for the weekends.

The Dos are followed by the don’ts as the book progresses with chapters on what women should not wear. These chapters “advice against black dresses, headscarves and the hijab” as part of the country’s campaign against Islamic dresses. The aim is to diminish the popularity of religious garments which sustains despite President Emomali Rahmon’s condemnation.

While the booklet is not favoring Islamic inspired garments it is also discouraging revealing outfits and overtly westernized clothing.

“It is also not recommended to appear in public places in flip-flops or slippers, or to wear skin-tight trousers or synthetic clothes which are harmful to health.”

The former Soviet republic has a predominantly Muslim population, but the government is trying to assert a more secular but traditional culture.