In response to Why do we still make girls wear skirts and dresses as school uniform? Parent24 readers had lots to say. Many felt girls shouldn't have to wear skirts and dresses to school, with some saying that skorts would be the better option.
The original article posted by The Conversation discusses the restrictions wearing dresses poses on girls when doing sport or physical education, or just being active during breaktime.
Here is a selection of the responses.
"Uniform codes need an overhaul"
Tiffany says she wishes her daughters could wear shorts. She feels school uniforms need a revision, especially in hot coastal towns where kids must wear socks and shoes even when the temperature hits 44 degrees.
"Our school allows boys and girls to choose"
"Shorts are practical"
Some parents vote for skorts (shorts that look like skirts):
"My daughters have to wear dresses with silly stockings in winter... Their legs don't warm up," says Michelle. "And playtime on the jungle gym is always an issue with the summer dress uniforms." She prefers skorts for summer and tracksuits/long pants for winter:
"It's ridiculous"
But some didn't like the idea of ditching dresses at all.
"School must be respected"
Shadreck argues that uniform shows respect and that you're taking school seriously.
And then some original thoughts...
Our inbox also got a fair amount of replies.
"Too many girls' skirts are too short anyway"
Anonymous:
"Personally as a mother I think it [dresses] should be phased out. Too many girls' uniforms are way too short to begin with and no I am not referring to the fact that they grow like grass. I suggest for a summer uniform, especially in South Africa, shorts and a button T-shirt with the school badge, and in winter the grey slacks.
"It’s so ridiculous, the huge amounts of school fees we pay, the stationery and the uniform. As always children should wear their uniforms with pride and decency. I also think that uniforms should be included in the school fees especially in Cape Town. Well that’s my opinion."
"If girls can wear shorts, are boys going to be allowed to wear skirts?
Gavin:
"It is a uniform and by definition they should be 'uniform'. So, girls generally may wear skirts and boys shorts outside of school. I see it every day. So gender is used as a practical way to give girls an identity as well as boys in their uniforms.
"Just leave the system alone, it's a great system founded on traditional values. If anything let the girls wear skorts."
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