Up until the late 80s, people used to respect the traditional way of dressing: women were expected to dress modestly which included loose and long dresses, skirts and wrapping of chitenge. It was not allowed for a lady to show her thighs; it was considered disrespectful. Men used to dress in long trousers or shorts and cotton shirts. Why should it be a serious concern that various styles of dressing are indecent? It has implications for the moral upbringing of children in our African society.
This problem is so serious such that even children at lower primary level want to emulate Western styles. Let me now take a look at some of the causes of indecent dressing that has found its place in Africa. An influx of foreigners visitors to African countries, especially tourists, have brought with them this negative dress code. Although in their culture, they see nothing wrong with certain styles of dressing, it hurts our society when youth try to copy it and it results in indecent dressing in our society.
Wrong mentality has also brought about indecent dress code in our country. Usually young people dress indecently because of their mentality. In short the freedom and rights that young people enjoy have somehow corrupted their minds. It has made it impossible for their elders to correct and advise them — a good and strong tradition within Zambian culture.
Our young people have filled in their minds with the wrong things. Indecent dressing in society is also associated with poor parenting. This is a major problem and a major cause of indecent dressing. Parents should be role models to their children hence they have the mandate to educate and control their children on a more sober way of dressing.
Some parents themselves dress so carelessly in public such that it is hard for them to control their children when they see them dressing indecently. Indeed, charity and discipline should begin at home. Church attendance is usually a colourful and festive affair with lively singing and dancing and, and folks are usually well dressed for the occasion.
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Don't worry. Your e-mail address is totally secure. Return from Zambian Culture page to our home page. About Us. Client Feedback. Contact Us. Go to a village in Zambia and it would be very unusual to find a woman not wearing a chitenge.
I always carry one with me when travelling just in case we stop somewhere remote, and when we do, it is always appreciated that I made the effort to wear one. A few chitenge designs. The patterns and colours are immensely varied and I have seen chitenges with pictures of politicians on them, stylised light bulbs, even mobile phones.
Unfortunately any chitenge you buy in Zambia these days will have been imported, as the factories that once produced them have closed and in the more cosmopolitan city of Lusaka they are not used so much. However considering its versatility, I think the chitenge has definite staying power.
Especially if fabric nuts like me keep buying them! Elizabeth is a Brit living in Zambia with her American husband. She was an English teacher for many years, which is when she got the travelling bug; she has also been a VSO volunteer.
She is now a freelance writer and education consultant as well as volunteer at a local art gallery. They consider you one of their own. I wonder if people here would consider me a Texan LOL! At least now I learned about the chitenges. And it is important to note that camouflage or military clothing and print is not permitted. Long trousers and long-sleeved tops will cover you from the harsh sun and protect against mosquitoes at night. Don't forget a safari hat to protect your face and neck, and sunglasses.
When on safari , the idea is to relax and enjoy your time under the African sky, and listen to the calls of the wild all around you! Dinner dress is therefore casual and comfortable. It would be a good idea to pack a lightweight and versatile travel jacket. If you plan to do much walking, either on safari or with a backpack, then lightweight walking shoes or trainers are fine — the bush is not always smooth and even, so anything that minimises the chance of a twisted ankle is a good idea.
Try Hotter shoes , they are very light and comfortable. This is a conservative country , so either knee-length or longer skirts or trousers are ideal.
Avoid wearing revealing clothes , as you may be regarded as women of ill repute and will attract unwanted attention.
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