JEDDAH, 15 September 2004 — The Administration for Health Affairs in Hail has directed that Saudi nurses on duty are not permitted to wear jewelry, high-heels and make-up.
According to Al-Madinah Arabic newspaper, the decision was made after the administration observed Saudi nurses wearing unsuitable and unprofessional clothing. Nurses who do not follow the new dress code will be punished.
“There’s nothing really wrong with nurses wearing jewelry or make-up in moderation,” said Dr. Ahmad, a gynecologist in a public hospital in Riyadh. “But a nurse in high-heels? That’s out of the question. A real nurse would understand that instinctively. Or she should.”
A senior Australian nurse in Jeddah said: “It is unfortunate and disturbing that women who have studied, worked hard and qualified in a noble occupation should be told what to wear. Common sense will surely tell them what is appropriate depending on the nature of their work. High heels are certainly out of the question and so is most jewelry though a little make-up could be allowed.”
Fatimah, a newly-employed nurse, said: “It’s not enough that we have to deal with society’s attitude toward us. Now we have it publicized that we care more about our appearance than our job and that we are not professional. Why couldn’t the ministry have quietly notified our department supervisors that if a nurse doesn’t comply with the dress code, then either deduct money from her salary or fire her.”
Nahid, who is studying nursing at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, said: “This is humiliating. It is the second time this month that we have had regulations concerning our dress. It’s downright embarrassing. I hope the unprofessional Saudi nurses responsible for all this negative attention are proud of themselves.”
In Al-Watan Arabic daily, the Ministry of Interior addressed the matter of dress codes for female employees in public and private hospitals and in medical units last week. The ministry instructed them to wear clothes that were modest, appropriate for their job and in accordance with Shariah. This included covering the head and hair in non-transparent and undecorated cloth as well as not wearing tight or transparent garments with indecent pictures or words counter to the teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, the ministry prohibited the wearing of jeans as well as wearing surgical clothing in hospital corridors. Hospital employees were also told to wear their ID cards at all times as well as whatever was required for their jobs.
The regulations from the Ministry of Interior also direct that gold and jewelry, besides a watch and a ring, are not allowed. The regulations also ruled out accessories, nail polish and make-up. Also, lab coats must not be shorter than half-leg length and that sleeves must be long.
A committee has been set up to work on the regulations and decide how they apply to each nurse in hospitals and clinics. The committee will unify the dress code for both males and females in the health sector.
“It’s all about professionalism,” said a Saudi female nurse. “There’s no reason why such personal issues have to have committees to make regulations. We should all know better. This issue of ‘wearing’ or ‘not wearing’ is wearing us all out. There are more important things that need our attention.”
