No miniskirts, no hijab – ex-Soviet republic polices women’s fashion

Women in Tajikistan, in Central Asia, are being advised by the government to dress more “Tajik-style” and not wear either revealing Western clothes or Islamic head coverings – supposedly to reinforce national identity.

Some in the secular Muslim country are speaking out against the advice, which comes from Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon as well as in the form of a manual expected to be issued by the government this year.

The advice to be published in July will be based on “scientific and historical sources”, Khurshed Nizomi, a culture ministry official, said.

The manual applies to women “of all ages” and will give tips on what to wear “at work, at home, at the theatre or during celebrations”, he said.

But Firuza Naimova, a pharmacist, questioned the need for government advice to women on clothing.