As you have probably read or seen by now, Nicola Thorp, 27, a temping receptionist, came to work in flat shoes and was told that she had to wear heels instead. She was also instructed that she couldn't come to work bare faced, as in without any make-up. On top of those indignities, would you believe that there already existed, a chart to show what shades and colours were acceptable to apply to the face.

People are angry, but what nobody seems to be talking about, is the why? Why should a women be made to wear heels or make-up or a even a skirt, from when they are at school? The answer to the question is that women are treated like show pieces, yes they come in to do whatever role they have been hired to do, but for some bizarre reason, they are supposed to look 'pretty' as they do it. This type of ingrained programming, stems further into our private lives, where some women can't leave the house without applying make-up or go to a social occasion in flat footwear because of a pressure to perform 'pretty' Women are the gender that are the gazed upon and therefore it seems like they are always having to be on parade. Criticised and condemned if they don't meet some standard, women being on show, is so embedded in our culture, that too many people don't see the problem of needing a woman to be more than she naturally is. 

Who sets these standard? And do these standard makers consider how viable these rules are to follow, when it comes to women, the handicapped and ethnic minorities?

As an employer, you have to understand that your pool of talent is and will continue to get more and more diverse. Some of the unnecessary requirements that companies are so doggedly sticking to, are not permissible to other cultures.

In some cases, it might be an issue of health that might be a factor - an allergic reaction to make-up or back problems might prevent either from being applied.

And most importantly, what is the overall message to all females? That all women are lacking until they rectify their bodies, whether temporarily or permanently? No wonder the cosmetics and fashion industries are so successful, in their aiding to perpetuate that there is a  fault in the female - that way they can sustain their industry. If you are skinny, you will be made to feel curvy is cool, if curvy, the opposite and so women are made to want whatever it is they aren't, to please a social desire that doesn't actually exist.

There is a deeper conversation that needs to be had, but for now it is the initial red flag that needs to be seen, the protest heard. So I signed the petition, for women in general, but also for humanity.