Girls Win The Right to Wear Shorts Or Trousers To School!

Research suggest girls do less exercise at school when they are wearing dresses as  opposed to being in shorts or trousers.

Now it looks like girls will have the right to wear shorts and pants at every Victorian state school.

Education minister James Merlino has promised to give girls in schools the option of wearing shorts or trousers after parents have rallied and complained about their daughters feeling uncomfortable and restricted in their school uniforms.

“I am currently considering ways to ensure girls are provided the opportunity at all government schools to wear shorts and pants,” Mr Merlino said.

“While the vast majority of schools already offer the option of female students wearing shorts or pants, it is something I would expect all government schools to do.”

A recent survey by Girls’ Uniform Agenda (made up of a group of Australian parents) on uniform policies at 100 Victorian state schools revealed that one in four required girls to wear skirts or dresses. Research showed these students become self-conscious about accidentally exposing themselves, according to group co-founder Simone Cariss.

“They are concerned about flashing their underwear when they do cartwheels,” she said.

“We have girls who have to get under tables to plug in laptops and they are doing that with one hand on the back of their skirt. It’s a struggle that distracts from their learning.”

The group began after Ms Cariss’ daughter was forbidden from wearing pants at the  Catholic school she attended in Melbourne. The school has since reversed it’s decision after Ms Cariss started a petition that has now gathered almost 21,000 signatures.

“Schools need to come into the modern era and look at what they are forcing their girls to wear,” she said. “We want girls to go into science, technology, engineering and maths careers – which involve breaking down those stereotypes – yet we force them to wear a dress every day.”

Ms. Cariss doesn’t want dresses and skirts banned completely she just thinks girls should be give the option of wearing what makes them comfortable.

Pants and trousers are a less common options for girls in non-government schools. The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia – whose members are mostly non-government schools – has noticed an increase in schools creating more flexible uniforms.

“The trend to include shorts and pants as uniform options for girls may be part of a school’s broader gender-neutral approach,” the organisation’s executive officer Loren Bridge said.

Do you agree with the push to give girls’ the option of wearing shorts or trousers if they want to?

Images: Pixabay