New Swimwear Regulations in Syria Spark Debate on Women’s Rights

A recent decree from Syria's interim government requires women to wear burkinis or other modest swimwear in public swimming spots, raising mixed reactions among citizens about personal choice and public decency norms.

Syria's interim government, led by an Islamist coalition, has recently implemented a controversial regulation requiring women to don burkinis—swimsuits designed to cover all but the face, hands, and feet—or other modest attire while at public beaches and swimming pools. The tourism ministry, which announced the new rules, stated the measures are intended to improve public safety and maintain decency standards, as reported by the Syrian state channel Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.

This directive exempts private beaches, clubs, and pools, as well as hotels that exceed four-star ratings. Although many women in Syria already tend to dress modestly at public beaches, a segment of the population does favor Western-style swimwear. The new guidelines compel beachgoers to wear "more modest swimwear," specifically recommending burkinis or swimsuits that cover most of the body.

Additionally, women are advised to wear cover-ups or loose garments while transitioning between swimming areas, and the decree explicitly prohibits traveling in swimwear outside designated areas without proper covering. Men are also instructed to wear shirts when outside the water and may not go bare-chested outside swimming spots.

While "normal Western swimwear" remains permissible in specified exempt locations, the government emphasized that clothing should be loose, covering the shoulders and knees, and must avoid being transparent or form-fitting. Despite the comprehensive nature of the regulations, the decree has not clarified potential penalties for non-compliance or the enforcement methods; however, lifeguards and supervisors are expected to oversee adherence at public beaches.

Public reaction to the new requirements has been mixed. A woman from Idlib acknowledged the advantages of the regulations from a moral standpoint, stating some families may feel uncomfortable with exposed skin. Contrarily, a resident of Damascus expressed discomfort and apprehension about government overreach, noting that mixed-gender beach environments had historically allowed varying styles of swimwear without issue.

In the aftermath of the recent political upheaval, wherein Islamist forces ousted Bashar al-Assad, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has purportedly promised inclusivity and education for women, distancing his governance from the restrictive practices seen in countries like Afghanistan. Following a constitutional declaration signed in March, which underscored women’s rights and freedom of expression, these new swimming regulations once again evoke questions regarding the balance between cultural customs and personal freedoms in the evolving Syrian landscape.