Thousands of Algerian women are campaigning for bikinis to become socially acceptable on the beaches of the north African country, defying those who argue that the swimwear is incompatible with local customs.

Sara, 27, the founder of a closed Facebook group militating in favour of the bikini, told Algeria’s Provincial newspaper: “Swimming in beachwear at the beach shouldn’t be an exploit or shocking.”

She started the group, which numbers more than 3,200 members, after a visit to the beach with her family in June, when she felt too intimidated to put on beachwear, fearing she would be verbally or physically assaulted.

The campaign is also a response to ‘traditionalist' youths who have posted photographs of women in bikinis on social media, accusing them of “acting against the values of our society”.

Members of the Facebook group first gathered on a beach on July 5, Algeria’s Independence Day. About 40 were present, but three days later some 200 turned out.

“The aim isn’t to make a lot of noise or even less to make headlines, it’s to change society profoundly but gently,” Sara said. “This can be achieved only if people grow accustomed to seeing what they still consider to be forbidden. We don’t want to change their vision of things, just to instill in them tolerance and acceptance of others.”