Daniel UGWO

“Mummy, that Aunty is wearing Pink Pant, I like the type; please buy it for me too?” That was the statement I heard from the little girl in front of me who was also directly at the back of a lady walking along a busy road. Her statement influenced my search and behold, the kid was descriptively accurate. She was really wearing a pink pant of size 4 under the new generation tight leggings.

In recent years, the streets of Nigeria have become a stage for a troubling trend—an alarming number of women, particularly those aged between 15 and 45, seem increasingly oblivious to the appropriateness of their attires. This observation was unambiguously illustrated when the four-year-old child innocently commented on a woman's transparent pants, revealing not just the shape but the colour of the covering of her private area.

According to an AI Overview of nakedness. ‘’Nakedness generally refers to the state of being without clothing or covering. It can also describe a situation where something is exposed, vulnerable, or lacking in protection. Additionally, nakedness can refer to a lack of embellishment or disguise, or even the absence of something considered customary or expected.” At least she wore one despite the transparency. This is the same way the private areas (front and back) are directly visible through these dresses for ladies who never wore panties. Such incidents raise significant concerns about the standards of decency that are being upheld in our society nowadays. As we navigate through this era of globalization and Western influence, it is essential to examine how these changes have affected our cultural values, especially regarding women's fashion choices. The shift towards revealing clothing is not merely a matter of personal expression; it poses serious implications for morality and societal norms. Many women now opt for outfits that leave little to the imagination, often wearing garments that appear more like underwear-of-old than outerwear.

This trend raises an urgent question: have we lost sight of the mirror in our homes, or is this intentional? The implications of such dressing extend beyond mere aesthetics; they can significantly influence sexual behaviour and societal indiscipline, “Rape”. Research has shown that the exposure of certain body parts can trigger sexual urges and inappropriate behaviour. A study published in the ‘Journal of Sexual Behaviour’ found that exposure to sexually suggestive images can increase sexual arousal in individuals, regardless of gender. When women dress in ways that draw attention to their private part areas, it can inadvertently contribute to a culture where sexual objectification becomes normalized. While it is crucial to acknowledge that rape and sexual abuse are multifaceted issues influenced by various factors—including societal attitudes, psychological issues, and criminal behaviour—indecent dressing has been identified as a contributing factor.

A report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics indicated that a significant percentage of sexual assault cases involved victims whose attire was deemed provocative, penetration is this case becomes effortless to perpetrator. These sad acts of dressing could also be considered as a form of mental harassment and psychological manipulation of perpetrator of sexual nuisance. This correlation does not imply that victims are to blame for the actions of aggressors, but it underscores the need for a collective conversation about how attire impacts societal perceptions and behaviours. In response to growing concerns about indecent dressing, several Nigerian states have enacted laws aimed at curbing this trend.

States like Kano, Sokoto, Borno, recently Delta and others have taken a stand against indecent dressing by introducing legislation that penalizes individuals for wearing outfits deemed inappropriate. While this development on one hand is commendable, it is essential to approach the definition of indecent dressing with nuance and cultural sensitivity on the other hand. Indecent dressing should not be defined by narrow-minded individuals who may lack an understanding of cultural contexts. Instead, it should involve a collective dialogue among people who appreciate the diverse perspectives within Nigeria's rich tapestry of traditions and values.

The definition must be comprehensive enough to encompass various interpretations while respecting individual freedoms. It is crucial to understand that no one requires an angelic messenger to identify clothing that explicitly reveals private body areas as indecent. The reality is that clothing choices may reflect personal values and societal norms. As such, it is vital for women to be conscious of how their attires may be perceived and the potential consequences it may have on society as a whole.

Encouraging women to dress modestly does not equate to stifling their freedom of expression. Instead, it advocates for a balanced approach where personal style coexists with cultural values and societal expectations. This balance is necessary for fostering a respectful environment where women can express themselves without compromising their dignity or safety.

In conclusion, as we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to promote awareness about how clothing choices can influence societal attitudes towards women and their safety. While laws addressing indecent dressing are a step in the right direction, they must be informed by collective reasoning that respects cultural diversity. Ultimately, fostering a culture of decency begins with individual responsibility. Women should strive to make conscious choices about their attires, considering not only personal expression but also the broader implications for society. By doing so, we can work towards creating an environment where respect, dignity, and safety prevail for all individuals rather than a complete exchange of our noble heritage with an imported culture.