Nicole Dizdarevic, a 52-year-old healthcare worker, faced criticism from her boss for wearing a tank top at work, leading to a social media storm. Despite following the dress code, her attire was deemed inappropriate by male colleagues. Her social media post about the incident received over 1,000 comments, mostly negative, highlighting issues of sexual objectification and female solidarity.
Nicole Criticized for Wearing Tank Top at Work Sparks Social Media Backlash
Nicole Criticized for Wearing Tank Top at Work Sparks Social Media Backlash
Nicole wore a tank top to work and was reprimanded by her boss. When she shared the incident on social media, she faced a storm of hate.
At 52-year-old Nicole Dizdarevic's workplace in healthcare, all employees wear private clothing. In her five years on the job, she has never encountered any issues with the dress code.
"We can wear shorts, but they must reach the knees. We can wear a skirt, but it should also reach the knees. We can wear a tank top, but with wider straps," she says.
During a work shift this summer, the boss called Nicole into the office. The reason was that some male colleagues had complained about her choice of clothing. According to the boss, it was "uncomfortable" for the colleagues.
"At first, I was just shocked. But then I said: This is not okay. It's sexual objectification."
"I went and put on a T-shirt the same day," she says and continues:
"I don't care at all what I wear when I work."
1,000 Comments – Met with Hate
What shocked Nicole the most was the amount of hate she encountered after writing about the incident on social media.
"It was everything from saying I just want attention to calling me a 'joy girl.' Me and my silicone breasts. And it only came from women, not a single man."
"I was very hurt," says Nicole.
The post on Threads has over 1,000 comments, with many questioning Nicole's choice of clothing.
"They decided who I was as a person, based on my appearance. And that's no news because I've had my appearance all my life. So I know it triggers many women."
"I often get comments like: 'Oh my God, you're nice' and: 'Oh my God, wow, you're intelligent.'"
"We women should stick together, we should support each other, we should push each other. No, here we shoot each other down."