Harassment in Tailoring Shops: A Silent Issue Affecting Women and Children in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, harassment in tailoring establishments has become a growing concern, with many women and children facing discomfort and inappropriate behavior during their visits. Despite the trust placed in tailors, numerous reports highlight cases of verbal abuse and physical violations, with some victims sharing deeply troubling stories of molestation under the guise of "measuring" or "fitting" clothing. The issue remains largely unaddressed, with societal stigma and a lack of legal recourse preventing many from speaking out.

Harassment and Violation of Boundaries in Tailoring Shops

A woman’s harrowing experience with a trusted family tailor sheds light on the dangers women face. While preparing for a family event, the woman went for a fitting, only to experience the tailor’s inappropriate physical contact. As he measured her, his arms brushed against her chest, and his hands moved toward her thighs, leaving her feeling violated. When she looked at her mother for support, her mother dismissed it, attributing it to the "normal" procedure of measuring. This explanation, however, only further compounded the sense of helplessness and confusion the woman felt.

This behavior isn’t isolated. Many women, from different backgrounds, have shared similar experiences, where tailors justify their actions as a necessary part of the process. Yet, what is seen as “normal” by some is actually a form of harassment that goes unnoticed or is downplayed, contributing to a culture of silence and normalization of such inappropriate behavior.

Harassment Experienced by Children

Children—both male and female—are not immune to harassment in tailoring shops. Many parents entrust their children to tailors, expecting their clothes to be made with care and precision. Unfortunately, children, especially young girls, have experienced similar discomfort and inappropriate touching. One alarming issue is that children, due to their age and lack of awareness, may not immediately recognize when something is wrong, making it harder for them to speak up. Furthermore, parents, who often have deep trust in their regular tailors, may not realize the extent of harm until it’s too late.

Reports from families and advocacy groups reveal that children in these settings have been subject to inappropriate physical contact, where tailors justify their actions by claiming it’s part of their work. However, this behavior can leave lasting emotional scars. Children may feel violated but often struggle to express their discomfort due to a lack of education on personal boundaries and the absence of safe spaces to report such incidents. As in many instances with adult women, when children raise concerns, the behavior is often brushed off as unimportant or exaggerated.

The Need for Awareness and Vigilance

Despite these alarming issues, many continue to normalize such behavior, making it difficult for victims to speak out. There’s a growing need for both educational awareness and legal reforms to address harassment in tailoring shops. Many women and children, especially those from vulnerable or marginalized communities, feel trapped in the cycle of exploitation, with little recourse available to them. It’s essential for both customers and tailors to recognize the importance of respecting personal boundaries, creating safe spaces, and reporting any suspicious behavior.

For parents concerned about their children's safety, it’s important to consider accompanying them to tailoring appointments or ensuring that trusted friends or relatives are present. Additionally, bringing a sample of well-fitting clothes or using alternative methods for measurements can help mitigate the risk of inappropriate contact.

A Technological Solution: Mobile Tailor

As an alternative to traditional tailoring methods, Mobile Tailor offers a safe and innovative solution that eliminates the risks associated with in-person measurements. This online fitting platform allows customers to take their own measurements from the comfort and privacy of their homes, ensuring that garments are tailored precisely to their body measurements without any physical contact. This service provides a secure, modern approach to tailoring, particularly beneficial for women and children who may feel vulnerable in traditional settings.

By using Mobile Tailor, customers can confidently avoid uncomfortable or inappropriate situations, ensuring their clothing fits perfectly and safely. This tech-driven solution revolutionizes the tailoring process, offering a secure, comfortable alternative for families across Bangladesh, making sure that personal safety is never compromised.

In this way, Mobile Tailor represents a much-needed shift in how tailoring services are provided, prioritizing customer safety and offering a reliable, hassle-free solution that keeps clients—especially vulnerable women and children—free from harassment.

Find supporting articles:
https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/293924/too-many-%E2%80%98tailors%E2%80%99-for-women-in-bangladesh

https://www.dhakatribune.com/magazine/avenue-t/160713/%E2%80%9Cmy-tailor-made-me-feel-uncomfortable%E2%80%9D 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/up-womens-body-proposes-men-shouldnt-tailor-womens-clothes-or-cut-their-hair/articleshow/115077086.cms

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/barring-male-tailors-women-measurements-not-answer-change-attitudes-instead-9678274/

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttar-pradesh-women-commission-men-tailor-women-clothes-gym-trainers-2630243-2024-11-08

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/lady-tailors-for-women-bad-touch-shield-sought-at-shops-gyms-and-salons-by-uttar-pradesh-state-womens-commission/cid/2061720

https://theprint.in/india/men-shouldnt-tailor-womens-clothes-cut-their-hair-up-women-bodys-proposed-safety-norms-spark-row/2348332/

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/male-tailors-shouldnt-take-womens-measurements-proposes-uttar-pradesh-panel/

https://www.news18.com/india/men-shouldnt-tailor-womens-clothes-or-cut-their-hair-up-panels-proposal-for-safety-9113341.html

https://english.factcrescendo.com/2022/04/01/the-video-of-a-tailor-inappropriately-touching-a-woman-is-scripted/