Shock as eight television presenters are sent home for being overweight in Egypt
Eight Egyptian female television presenters have been suspended by the state run broadcaster for being overweight, sparking an uproar among women rights groups.
According to The Telegraph, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (Ertu) suspended the eight women for one month, saying they are too overweight to appear on camera.
According to local media, the eight were instructed to lose weight before they can appear on camera again.
The Telegraph reports that the Egyptian broadcaster, The Ertu, told local media the decision would not be reversed, but that the women would continue to be paid during their suspension.
Reda Eldanbouki, head of NGO Women’s Centre for Guidance and Legal Awareness said the suspension of the eight women was a shameful and unconstitutional act.
“This decision was shameful and violates various clauses of the Egyptian constitution and objectifies women and is abusive towards them,” Mr Eldanbouki told the Guardian.
