Miniskirts ban at Malawi Savings Bank: Revealing clothing can be offensive

The once government-owned Malawi Savings Bank (MSB) is expected to change its name to FDH Bank after sale caused a lot of controversy last year, has banned all female employees from wearing miniskirts because bosses fear their employees’ attire could be offensive to some families.

Malawi Savings Bank bans indecent dressing
Malawi Savings Bank bans indecent dressing

In a memo to staff dated February 5, 2016 seen by Nyasa Times signed by  head of human resources Richard Kunjawa, the bank warned female staff that skirts must be of “reasonable” length and also told male workers to ensure they are dressed appropriately.

The leaked memo, addressed to the bank’s branch managers, section managers, and Exco members, advised employees to dress “in appropriate business dress attiree.”

Female staff were told “inappropriate” clothing for the bank included  “garment that are  unnecessarily revealing by women”  such as miniskirts, sleeveless blouses, immoderate and multi coloured hair styles or dreadlocks.

The bank also warned against “uncoordinated dress style or head gear.”

MSB ban in inappropriate fashion is apply to both genders.

Men are instructed against saggy trousers – the sort that are slung so low they reveal half the boxers beneath – and shabby dressing.

The bank   justifies the ban, saying it is about respect.

But one bank worker, who did not want to be named, said: “What is a miniskirt? Are they going to come around with a tape measure?”

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chemasamba
chemasamba
8 years ago

thus very good….anthu enawa amvala ngati mfiti / mbuzi za anthu

Imraan Sadick
8 years ago

Islam in my mind,vindicated once again,
emulate Islamic dress code let’s be honest Amangwetu Muslim women look classy. I was shocked to read a certain article whereby a woman was singing in church wearing just a G-string.[it’s human rights in their eyes]
The message to all Muslim women out there be proud
Of being Muslims you’re in right path

ndixboy
ndixboy
8 years ago

Zimawonjeza abale uhule mpaka mu bank

Phala
Phala
8 years ago

Tawasiyeni azimayiwa atopa okha. Tisiyeni tiwasungwanati titimvetse moyo kukoma. Mmene imatopetsera ntchitomo, tidzipumila pati? Umakayitana mu office kudzakafunsa zopanda pake, … ndiye kamadzabwere thighs pamtunda kakuyitsitsira pansi, kuflasha ndi tima breast, …. iwe umangomvera osanenapo zambiri, kakamapita kakuonetse mbuyo. Iwe mtima watsika, … kuyambanso kugwira ntchito. Ndiye mukuti azivala mikanjo? kkkkk. Nnakachinda kamodzi mamamamama, plain ma man! kanali bwino oti mpaka lero ndikakakumbukira kakubuulira ndimangotota ndekha. Kamkazi sikanakome ako, koma kutsekemera. Kanangondipanirira, manja ake mkhosi mwangamu, tinsonga tamabere ake titatota natonso, tikundibayabaya pa chest, nditangombwandiliratu chimbina man, asa! sinnakachitira mwina koma kuusiya umuna utuluke man. A Kunjawa, zangokuvutani man, …… Read more »

Phala
Phala
8 years ago

The cost of buying seal tapes (leggens) will be affected. Nanunso mayo akubank mwakumana nazo. Go FDH Go!!!!!!!!!!!!kk

Gwape
Gwape
8 years ago

MSB is skating on very thin ice.Never put this kind of thing in writing,do it by word of mouth and peer – group influence (pressure?) you NUMBSKULLS!! What kind of legal advice are they getting. A simple ‘womens meeting’ in the cafeteria would have done the trick. Some people either dont know, dont care or cannot afford to dress well so they always look skanky.Help them out with friendly advice,presents,golf shirts, blouses,grooming allowances,a raise.Introduce a flexible uniform like ABSA or FNB.But for heavens sake do not write nasty little memos which then get leaked to the press. MSB is setting… Read more »

pie
pie
8 years ago

this is against human rights! corporate organizations have no legal remit to force dress codes other than introducing a uniform attire. Employees are paid for their tasks plus the bank offers no health and safety reasons to suggest mini skirts cannot be worn at work. This is tantamount to an unfair violation of women workers human rights. What similar code can the bank cite for male workers? If dirty beards, ear rings and dreadlocks are aloud for men, why not mini skirts? the bank is becoming a state with pastoral morals for which it does not hold legal remit. ladies… Read more »

Mcdaph Nedie
Mcdaph Nedie
8 years ago

Those who fear God will understand the bank.

Gwape
Gwape
8 years ago
Reply to  Mcdaph Nedie

Yes,we understand the bank,but what that idiot Kunjawa did is stupid.Those women can hang him with that memo and not even Mpinganjira can save him.

Omex70
Omex70
8 years ago

What about bare breast dancing a mulakho wa lomwe festivals! Is this not our culture?

smith
smith
8 years ago

Corporates have to maintain a level of “acceptable” attire, as well as professionalism. There’s nothing wrong with demanding that, and it does not sound unreasonable. I go to a bank I respect and get service from, not to see scantily-clad females 🙂

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