Egyptian TV presenters suspended from work for been overweight, told to lose weight

Egypt: Egypt’s state broadcaster, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union have spark outrage among women's groups in Egypt after it suspended eight female presenters for being “too fat” and told them to go on a diet before they can return back to air.

According to a report by the BBC, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union gave the women one month to lose weight before they can re-appear on air again with an “appropriate appearance”.

Speaking to Al-Yawm al-Sabi newspaper, one of the affected women, Channel 2 host Khadija Khattab, said she wants the public to watch her TV appearances and decide for themselves if she is “fat” and deserves to be prevented from working.

The BBC also reported that Egypts Women’s Centre for Guidance and Legal Awareness claims the move “violates the constitution” and was a form of violence against women.

The move has sparked debate among commentators in Egypt, with one female journalist saying the policy should be implemented across all stations.

The BBC reported that the move has attracted reaction from social media users with some criticizing the policy, while others backed the move, describing the presenters as “bakabouzas”, a term used by Egyptians to describe overweight women.

 

The ERTU has a female director, Safaa Hegazy, a former state TV anchor who is behind the suspension and was described by one female Twitter user as a “strong woman” for the move.

Safaa Hegazy