Philippine authorities have prohibited their companies from forcing female employees to come to work in mandatory high-heeled shoes, a move praised on Monday by the union, explaining that the Philippines is one of the first countries in the world advocating for the protection of women’s rights.
Citing health and safety concerns, Philippine authorities announced that companies can no longer compel female employees to come to work and remain in high-heeled shoes, after four women filed a complaint with the union, which brought the issue to the relevant authorities.
Earlier this month, authorities and the union reported that the decision will officially take effect on September 29.
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“This is good,” said Alan Tanjusay from the Philippine Trade Union Association. “The decision is significant because it allows women to be spared from sexist policies,” he stated.
He believes that the Philippines is the first country after British Columbia in Canada, which introduced a similar ban back in April.
Tanjusay reminded that the provision regarding mandatory high-heeled shoes for women in workplaces was applied nationwide, especially in restaurants, airlines, hotels, stores…
About one million Filipino saleswomen will greatly benefit from this decision, says Tanjusay.
In accordance with the decision, companies must allow employees to wear practical and comfortable footwear and cannot force them to wear shoes with heels higher than 2.5 centimeters.
