Let’s allow women to wear pants in parly – MP

In a bold statement marking International Women’s Day, Lobamba Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Masilela has called for the removal of the longstanding rule barring women from wearing trousers in Parliament.

Masilela argued that such dress codes were an outdated and demeaning way of controlling women in the country.

“Why should we tell women what to wear? This is where it all begins,” Masilela asked during the debate on the Ministry of Justice’s annual performance report for 2025/26 in Parliament on Friday. “Yet, we expect them to be elected to Parliament. Ngiyatibuta kutsi sentani (I’m asking myself, what are we doing)?”

Masilela, who serves as the chairman of the Ministry of Justice’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, was the last speaker in the debate. He used the opportunity to address issues other MPs had not raised. Commending the Human Rights Commission for promoting human rights and equality, particularly regarding women’s and people with disabilities’ rights, Masilela turned his focus to the dress code controversy.

He pointed out the irony that while women can wear trousers to the High Court, the same does not apply in Parliament. He questioned why women are subjected to different standards when entering the parliamentary chamber.

Masilela went on to discuss how such rules were not only ingrained in Parliament, but also deeply embedded in traditional settings. He noted that at umphakatsi (chief’s royal residence), women are expected to observe the ‘no-pants’ rule, among other restrictions. In his view, this is yet another form of degrading women.

“Why are we, as male legislators, doing this when we should be promoting and encouraging more women to come into Parliament?” he wondered. “This starts with us, and we are the ones undermining the very campaign we claim to support. We want more women in Parliament, but then we impose these unnecessary restrictions on them.”

Masilela also brought up a poignant example from traditional mourning customs, where widows are expected to wear specific mourning attire, while widowers are not. He argued that this societal norm further diminishes the role and value of women, as a woman who does not observe this rule is often seen as lacking in societal worth.

“What is that?” he asked rhetorically. “Why should men not also mourn the loss of their wives in the same way?”

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He then emphasised that women are just as capable in leadership roles, citing Phindile Dlamini, His Majesty’s Correctional Services Commissioner General, as a prime example of female leadership in the country.

Despite the controversial nature of his comments, Masilela pressed on. “Why must Eswatini women always be degraded? We control so much of their lives. You see them wearing trousers outside, but when they come into Parliament, they’re suddenly unwelcome,” he added.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane, who was present in the chamber, appeared to listen intently, smiling and nodding occasionally in response to Masilela’s remarks.

Other MPs, while serious, also appeared engaged in the discussion, although one voice was heard from the chamber jokingly saying, “diklera chair” (suggesting that Masilela should declare his interests).

Hhohho Regional MP Tanele Magagula, who observed Masilela’s speech, appeared to admire his stance in defending the rights of women in the country.

In the kingdom, it is widely recognised that dress codes are influenced by tradition and social expectations of ‘formal office attire’.