Citizens demand ban on men selling women’s clothes

MEN selling women’s clothing in Qatar is a strict ‘No’, in keeping with the traditional values of the country, feel citizens.

They have called on the Ministry of Business and Trade to strictly implement the law.

They said that laws must be implemented as soon as they are issued, because any delay will encourage people to ignore them.

The ministry had issued an order in June 2012 asking stores dealing in women’s clothing to replace salesmen by saleswomen.

Lawyer Dr Abdul Rahman Jufairi said that like other GCC countries, Qatar is a conservative country; to see men selling women’s clothes is not acceptable. He noted that a neighbouring country has issued similar decisions, banning salesmen completely in areas of women’s clothing.

Lawyer Dr Saud Athba said, “there should not be any direct mixing between women and men in women’s clothing shops.” He pointed out that strict guidelines need to be applied to prevent direct contact in these areas and more particularly, in areas where women’s clothing is being sold.

He conceded that the decision was a difficult one, but it was a cultural duty to avoid harassment in shops.