Muslim women in Garissa have raised concerns over men working in beauty salons serving female clients, saying the presence of male workers can compromise their privacy and comfort.
The debate centres on religious values, cultural expectations and the need for women to access beauty services in environments that respect their beliefs and personal preferences.
Halima Said said women’s salons should provide a comfortable and private environment, particularly for Muslim clients who observe religious requirements on modesty.
“I believe women’s salons should provide a comfortable and private environment for female clients. For Muslim women, privacy and modesty are important considerations, and having female hairstylists makes it easier for us to access beauty services without feeling uncomfortable,” she said.
She added that Garissa has many talented women who could take up opportunities in the beauty industry, urging salon owners to consider employing more female workers.
Fardosa Osman said the call for female salon workers should not be interpreted as discrimination against men but as a request to respect the preferences and religious beliefs of female customers.
“This is not about discriminating against men or denying anyone an opportunity to earn a living. It is about respecting the preferences and religious beliefs of female customers. Women should have the option of visiting salons where they can comfortably remove their hijabs, style their hair and receive beauty treatments in a private environment,” she said.
Garissa, a predominantly Muslim town, has a sizeable market for beauty and personal grooming services, with salons catering to women across different neighbourhoods.
The discussion raises questions about how beauty businesses can balance employment opportunities with the privacy needs and expectations of their customers.
For many Muslim women, access to female-only beauty services is an important consideration when choosing where to seek personal grooming services.
