Universities and Miniskirts

In just two months, two prominent Namibian universities enforced rules dictating what women should wear on campus.

First the International University of Management (IUM) and then the University of Namibia (Unam).

This is a blatant example of misplaced priorities, focusing on control over women’s bodies rather than fostering a safe and productive learning environment.

The irony is that Unam’s decision comes a week after a top government administrator accused Namibian universities of offering the “wrong” courses.

With youth unemployment at 41,7% and gender-based violence a persistent problem, focusing on what women wear should not even be a topic of discussion.

In short: Skirts are not the problem.

The problem is the way society sexualises women. The problem is misogyny. It is imperative that higher learning institutions deal with these issues.
Unam has also banned political activism on campus.

Instead of policing what students wear or their political activism, universities need to remain platforms where social issues are freely discussed.
To serve the public good, universities must create brave and safe spaces.

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