British Royal Navy Updates its Dress Code Policy: Woman Officers Can Now Wear Sarees
The British Royal Navy has moved one step closer to an inclusive policy of dress code by featuring women officers wearing sarees as part of their formal mess attire. The action has drawn both applause and condemnation from various quarters of society.
Welcoming Diversity in the Uniforms Worn by Military Personnel
Under the new policy, women officers are allowed to wear cultural dresses, such as sarees, under their mess jackets during formal occasions. This is in line with other existing rules that allow Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, and Manx officers to wear kilts and tartan dresses as part of their traditional dress.
A Step Towards Greater Inclusivity
Lance Corporal Jack Kanani, chairman of the Royal Navy Race Diversity Network (RDN), reflected on this change by posting on LinkedIn a picture of Honorable Captain Durdana Ansari wearing a saree under her uniform jacket. He stressed that this policy approach speaks to the Royal Navy’s acceptance of diverse cultural traditions and creates a more inviting atmosphere for everyone concerned.
Mixed Reactions over the Policy Change:
While proponents of inclusivity applaud this move as a step towards progressiveness, conservative columnists have criticized it as deviating from traditional military attire. Nonetheless, such a policy reflects a more comprehensive program of modernizing military attire with consideration for cultural background.
The Royal Navy decision to change the dress code signals a growing realization of cultural diversity within the armed forces. Permitting sarees along with traditional garments will give the navy the opportunity to provide a more diversified and representative community of military men and women.
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