Expats dress down in city

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A Manila-based company recently issued guidelines for its foreign female invitees against baring legs or wearing short dresses as it could lead to sexual harassment. It also cautioned them against public display of affection such as cuddling, kissing or even holding hands.

The meeting, which was scheduled in Greater Noida, had many invitees coming from more than 60 countries. While it surely is embarrassing for Delhi we ask expats working in the city if they have been warned against dressing and behaving in a particular manner.
Aaron Gomes, who works as an account executive with an ad company says that she has been given similar warnings not just in India but back home in US also. “Two months back, before coming to India I was asked not to wander around till late. Not just I got a word of caution from my employer in India even my friends and family also advised me against wearing revealing clothes and being alert in public transports,” says Aaron.
She reveals that she mostly goes out in salwar kameez and tries to be careful. “It’s much better than being stared at or being taunted,” she says. However, June Vincent, an artist from Austria, does not feel much threatened by such warnings. This is her first time in the city and such warnings do not bother her. “I follow the saying ‘when in Rome, do as Romans do’,” she says.
Following the December 16 gangrape case, the city has got an image of not being safe for women, adds Tanya Alag, who works with Salaam Balak Trust. She says, “Expats planning to come to India are worried about security issues. And most of the foreigner women volunteers agree that it’s better to be cautious and alert. However, this has not discouraged volunteers and they still continue to come,” adds Tanya.