Man criticizes woman’s saree attire picture on LinkedIn, sparks debate on gender bias

New Delhi: A recent incident on LinkedIn has ignited widespread debate after a man criticized a woman’s choice of attire, specifically targeting her for wearing a saree in her profile picture. Public Policy Consultant and lawyer, Ashima Gulati, shared her experience in a LinkedIn post that quickly went viral, sparking conversations around gender bias, professional dress codes, and societal expectations.

Ms. Gulati posted a screenshot of a message she received from a man who suggested that her saree was "not ideal" for her professional image. The man implied that the way she wore her saree was inappropriate, leaving Ms. Gulati—and many others—questioning the deeper implications behind such a remark.

Exposing and emphasizing sexism 

In her LinkedIn post, Ms. Gulati expressed her disappointment and shock at the unsolicited advice, emphasizing the underlying sexism in the comment. She articulated the frustration felt by countless women who continue to face judgments based on their appearance rather than their professional abilities or achievements.

“Men will rape me because I am wearing a saree not to their liking. The irony of receiving such comments on a post advocating against the objectification of women is too stark to ignore,” Ms. Gulati wrote. She also highlighted problematic responses that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as blaming women’s attire or choices for harassment.

The post garnered significant attention online, with a wave of comments ranging from supportive to outraged. Many users expressed disbelief that such regressive views persist in modern professional spaces. One user remarked on the “egoistic masculine patriarchy” that seeks to control women’s freedom, while others called for publicly naming and shaming individuals who make such remarks. As the conversation around gender bias and professional dress codes continues, Ms. Gulati’s post serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles women face in asserting their agency and rights in both personal and professional spaces.