Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 14) — A senator is pushing for mandatory gender-neutral uniform options in schools, particularly giving female students the alternative to wear trousers instead of skirt.
Senator Raffy Tulfo recently filed Senate Bill No. 1986, which seeks to promote “freedom of choice, gender equality and safety” among students at all levels in both public and private schools.
“The right of young women to wear trousers to school needs to be a given, and not a privilege that needs to be argued for in each individual case,” the measure stated.
Apart from rejecting tradition that has the “potential to fuel gender inequality,” Tulfo cited the convenience of wearing pants in doing daily activities, including travelling to or from school, and especially when riding a motorcycle.
He also said trousers can help prevent dengue, which a number of students get in schools. He noted that last year, over 220,000 dengue cases were reported in the Philippines.
“Our students require greater safety as classes also coincide with the rainy season where dengue cases are at peak,” the senator said.
“To save lives and mitigate infection, wearing long sleeves and pants is one of the easy precautions one may take to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes that spread dengue,” he added.
The lawmaker also pointed out that providing the alternative can help girls who are dealing with body image issues and prevent cases of harassment.
