A debate over how women and girls dress in public has resurfaced in Rwanda after some attendees at the Diamond Platnumz Experience concert in Kigali were reportedly asked to return in more appropriate clothing.
The August 29 concert, held at the BK Arena parking area, became a subject of discussion on social media, with the issue of dress among the concerns raised by members of the public.
The renewed debate has also revived memories of a 2022 controversy involving Liliane Mugabekazi, who was arrested after attending a concert at BK Arena in an outfit authorities considered inappropriate for a public gathering. She was later released.
At the time, Rwanda National Police expressed concern over people attending public events in clothing that it said did not adequately cover the body.
Four years later, the question of what constitutes appropriate public dressing remains contentious, with prominent Rwandan women expressing different views on the issue.
Mutesi Jolly, who was crowned Miss Rwanda in 2016, urged people not to be quick to judge women based on their clothing. She noted that perceptions of appropriate dressing can vary from one person to another.
Uwicyeza Pamella, a former Miss Rwanda contestant and wife of musician The Ben, also weighed in, focusing on the dignity and rights of the person wearing the clothes.
She argued that clothing should not be used as a justification for humiliating, demeaning or mistreating women, stressing that disagreements over dress should never become an excuse for abuse.
Nishimwe Naomi, Miss Rwanda 2020, similarly argued that a woman’s choice of clothing should not make her a target of unwanted touching or harassment.
Human rights advocate Nsanga Sylvie called for greater respect for individual choices, pointing to the role of social attitudes in shaping perceptions of women’s clothing.
However, social media personality Isimbi Alliance, popularly known as Alliah Cool, expressed support for the view that girls and women should be encouraged to dress appropriately in public spaces.
The contrasting opinions reflect a wider conversation in Rwanda about personal choice, public standards and appropriate conduct at entertainment events.
The debate has particularly resonated among young people, as changing fashion trends and evolving attitudes continue to influence how public dressing is perceived.
The Diamond Platnumz Experience was among the major entertainment events held in Kigali on August 29, with Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz headlining the show.
