For a show that thrives on comedy, Ashghal Shaqqa Gedan has managed to weave in conversations about real-life social issues, using humor to shed light on topics that often go unnoticed.

In episode 6, the series tackled a long-standing controversy in Egypt—burkini bans in resorts and hotels. Without shifting its lighthearted tone, the show exposed the contradictions and absurdity behind these so-called rules, sparking discussions that go far beyond the screen.

The episode follows Dr. Hamdy (Hisham Maged) and his wife Yasmine (Asmaa Galal) as they attempt to enjoy a relaxing day at the pool.

However, their peace is interrupted when a resort official approaches them, suggesting they go to the sea instead. The reason? Yasmine’s swimsuit doesn’t comply with the resort’s dress code.

When they choose to stay by the pool, the official insists that her burkini is not a proper swimsuit, claiming that the material is unhygienic and inappropriate. Dr. Hamdy immediately challenges this claim, questioning the lack of any real logic behind the policy.

Meanwhile, Yasmine firmly asserts that her choice of clothing is personal and should not determine whether she can swim or not.

Despite their objections, the resort stands by its policy. Rather than accept the official’s weak compromise, Yasmine and Hamdy decide to leave the pool altogether, making it clear that they will not conform to an exclusionary rule.

More Than Just a Poolside Issue

While this may have played out as a comedic moment, it reflects a very real struggle that many Egyptian women face.

Burkini bans in resorts and hotels have long been a source of controversy, with many establishments continuing to enforce policies that discriminate against hijabi women and those who choose to dress modestly. The justifications for these rules vary, but they often rely on the same flimsy arguments:

• Burkinis interfere with pool filtration systems
• They don’t fit the resort’s image
• Other guests might feel uncomfortable

These claims have been challenged repeatedly, yet the restrictions persist, reinforcing a culture of exclusion that limits access to public spaces based on clothing choices.

How Ashghal Shaqqa Gedan Handled the Issue

What made this scene so impactful wasn’t just the topic itself, but how the show approached it.

Rather than turning the moment into a heavy-handed statement, Ashghal Shaqqa Gedan let the resort staff’s reasoning be the joke, exposing the contradictions in their policy through humor.

By making the policy itself seem ridiculous, the show underscored just how arbitrary and unnecessary these restrictions really are.

Through satire, the series called out a wider pattern of discrimination, using laughter to highlight the issue rather than taking a confrontational stance.

A Conversation That Needs to Continue

Women in Egypt who choose to dress modestly already face social and psychological pressures, and being excluded from public spaces simply because of their clothing only adds to this challenge.

When a popular TV series puts this issue in the spotlight, it raises important questions:

• Why do these bans still exist?
• Why are they being enforced despite growing opposition?
• And most importantly, when will they finally be abolished?

What do you think? Are burkini bans justified, or is it time for them to go?

Article by: Menna Yehia and Yara Mostafa