The second week of the swimming season in the Dagestani capital Makhachkala is also the second week of a new women's and children's beach called "Little Island".
Women find it problematic to access beaches, despite the city's coastal geography. For some, the problem is in Islam strictly forbidding women wearing bathing costumes in the presence of men, while others simply wish to relax and avoid "adventures" with amorous men, who are categorically banned from "Little Island". Under-sixes and lifeguards are the only males allowed on the beach, IslamNews reports.
Deputy head of the town Hanum Aliyeva said at the opening of the beach that she understood the benefit to women's health of relaxing well by the sea and noted the increasing difficulties associated with this.
She stressed the initiative taken by the city mayor, Said Amirov, and the spending on equipment made by a private investor without recourse to public funds. It was emphasised that the beach was for the use of women and children of all confessions.
The first all-women's beach in Makhachkala was opened last year in the Reduktorni suburb of the city, on a previously empty site.
