The BBC recently reported a story fuelled by discrimination and sexism, regarding an arguably archaic law, which allows organisations to require women to wear high heels in the workplace as part of the dress code. At the National Centre for Diversity, this is an important and controversial issue in equality, diversity and inclusion for women in the workplace, which we would like to respond to.
In light of Ms Nicola Thorp’s high heels row with her employer, it seems to be counter-intuitive that the current equality legislation does not outlaw the pre-existing discriminative legislation.
A great deal of focus has been placed on the legality of the issue and whether organisations can legitimately enforce the law – which it seems they can if they chose too. But there has been very little emphasis on the ethical and moral legitimacy of the law.
The National Centre for Diversity’s opinion on the matter is that any law which enables organisations to force women to wear high heels in the workplace is purely and simply wrong, both morally and ethically. It is unfair to treat women in this way, regardless of the law.
Speaking to Solat Chaudhry, CEO at the National Centre for Diversity, he comments “If the law as it stands allows for this kind of unfair treatment, then the law should be changed. Those at the top, especially males, should be required to work a week in high heels – I wonder if they would be as keen to enforce the dress code then. Both women and men should be judged on their abilities, not their appearance.”
It could also be called into question, whether Ms Thorp’s male counterpart would have wanted to wear high heels, despite it not being a requirement of the male dress code; and whether he would have been allowed to wear them.
It is sad that in Today’s society, where there is arguably the greatest level of gender equality, in comparison to previous generations, that Today’s generation of women are subject to this level of judgement on their appearance.
Mr Chaudhry also commented “Why does it matter what shoes a person wears as long as they can do the job, and do it well? Even though the law currently allows organisations to instruct women to wear heels, it is a ridiculous law – so why would a company enforce it?”.
Ms Thorp has since launched a petition calling for the law to be changed so that women cannot be forced to wear high heels at work, it has already gathered more than 100,000 signatures meaning the Government will consider the issue for debate by MPs in Parliament.
We eagerly anticipate the Government’s comment on the issue, with the new gender pay gap reporting regulations which are shortly to be introduced; it will surely be seen as an opportunity for MPs to truly showcase their commitment to gender equality.
Our job is to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion to advance fairness for all. The National Centre for Diversity urges the public to show support for gender equality and Ms Thorp and to raise awareness of the issue in all aspects of our culture.
