A Russian aluminum producer has come under fire for offering bonuses to women who came to work wearing skirts and makeup, in what it described as a month-long "femininity marathon."

Online commentators ridiculed the initiative, with one popular social media channel saying it was something from "the dark ages" and another Twitter user crudely inviting management to wear makeup themselves. 

But Tatprof, based in the republic of Tatarstan, defended the initiative, telling Russian media it "brightened up" the workplace. 

The company announced it would pay women an extra 100 rubles ($1.50) a day if they met the conditions. 

Women employees were invited to send photos of themselves to a given number in order to receive the bonus. 

"We hope the initiative will increase awareness of our women, allowing them to feel their femininity and charm," the company's communications department told the media on Wednesday. 

AFP