Ukraine plans for women to march in high heels spark outrage

[Looper]

Plans by Ukraine's defence ministry to have female soldiers march in high heels instead of army boots in a parade next month have caused angry reactions.

Irina Gerashchenko, an opposition member of parliament, said it was sexism, not equality.

Ukraine is preparing to stage a military parade on 24 August to mark 30 years of independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The defence ministry say the shoes are part of regulation-dress uniform.

Ukraine country profile

Many in Ukraine expressed shock at the plan, with a group of lawmakers calling on Defence Minister Andriy Taran to offer an apology.

"The story of a parade in heels is a real disgrace," commentator Vitaly Portnikov said on Facebook, arguing that some officials had a "medieval" mindset.

Ms Gerashchenko said she initially thought the pictures of women soldiers rehearsing in combat trousers and black pumps with block heels was a hoax. She said it was sexism, not equality, and wondered why the ministry thought heels were more important than designing body armour tailored to women.

Maria Berlinskaya, an army veteran, said a parade should demonstrate military prowess, but this one was to titillate senior officers in the grandstands.

Olena Kondratyuk, the deputy parliamentary speaker, pointed out that more than 13,500 women had fought in the current conflict pitting Ukraine against Russian-backed separatists in the east.

More than 31,000 women now serve in the country's armed forces, including more than 4,000 who are officers.

Ukraine plans for women to march in high heels spark outrage - BBC News

>>She said it was sexism, not equality

100%

Blokes should be allowed to march in high heels too if they feel more comfortable and in touch with their identity that way

[Mendip]

^ They have to do something to sex themselves up a bit because the footballers have stolen all their black bras!

[Looper]

^I have got the good oil on those sexy spandex soccer man-bras Mendip

Fans baffled as Ukraine hero Dovbyk takes off shirt to reveal PS200 sports bra after last-gasp winner against Sweden

They are not political or perverted, but rather scientific, so I will be ordering one off teh interweb and wearing it with pride on my keep fit runs along the beach

I don't think you will be doing that spanky new gym proper justice if you don't front up in a funky fitness bra!

[Mendip]

^ 200 quid for a sports bra?

The wife has a load of this kind of stuff and they cost a few hundred Baht each.

I mean... I guess I can wear 'em in the new gym but it seems a bit weird?

[harrybarracuda]

Does it come with the racoon option?