Rights activist Susan Goffe has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a suspension of the no sleeveless practice.

Speaking with Irie FM News, Ms. Goffe says that while there was no official written policy for the practice, she would have preferred if Mr. Holness had announced an outright end to the practice.

She has also welcomed the plan to formulate a government dress code policy, following public consultation.

According to Ms. Goffe, the dress code policy should be formulated around a non-discriminatory principle.

And, lobby group Women’s Media Watch, says the practice perpetuated gender inequality.

While welcoming the move, the group says the suspension of the no sleeveless practice and the review of dress codes, are long overdue.

In a statement today, Executive Director, Patricia Donald Phillips noted that the practice is a form of discrimination which reinforces the focus on women’s bodies with misplaced attention, on what is deemed morality, rather than respectful and dignified relations.

Mrs. Phillips noted that for parliament whereas the policy applies to women there is no such requirement for men.

She noted that the policy primarily affects women and girls, and is one example of the patriarchy which perpetuates gender inequality in Jamaica’s culture, systems and practice.

She said the practice should be completely withdrawn, not just suspended.