A group of advocates under the aegis of Serve With Skirts Movement protested against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) authorities, on Thursday January 16, demanding the inclusion of skirts in the youth initiative’s uniform.
Some young men also participated in the protest which also had young women dressed in Khaki skirts carrying banners which had the inscription “there is a difference between the world and the daughters of God” and “our sisters cannot dress like men.”
Speaking to newsmen, leader of the group Udochi Emmanuel stated that the harassment of those wearing skirts face at the NYSC orientation camps breached their fundamental human rights under Section 38(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Udochi also stated that wearing of trousers has led to increased level of immorality in NYSC orientation camps. She said;
“We had our mothers wearing skirts and we want to go back to that.
“We have asked for exemption (sic) severally. NYSC has not given that as an option, they have made it a compulsory one-year service for everyone below the age of 30 and they are mandated to wear those clothes.
“We have already started negotiations (with government) and we hope that from this dialogue we will get a favourable response.”
She also disclosed that they will seek redress in court if they don’t get what they want.