The Struggles and Triumphs of Hijab Wearing Women on World Hijab Day

 

The hijab, a traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women, has become a symbol of discrimination in many parts of the world. Hijab wearing women face various challenges globally, including safety concerns, prejudice, intolerance, and stigmatization. In some nations, laws, and regulations have been enacted restricting the wearing of hijab in public institutions, schools, and workplaces, forcing women to choose between their religious beliefs and rights.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2007, an estimated 51% of Muslim women in the US wear hijab. In Muslim-majority countries, like Egypt, the number can reach as high as 90%. However, despite the widespread use of hijab, laws have been implemented or are being considered that restrict its use in public spaces in countries such as France, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Turkey. In fact, women in 61 countries faced government restrictions on religious dress – specifically, regulations on their head coverings. 

Laws banning religious symbols, including hijab, in public institutions in multiple countries, like France and Belgium, have created hostile environments for Muslim women, and have been criticized as discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom. These restrictions have led to difficulties for Muslim women in accessing education and employment, and fuel a culture of intolerance and prejudice towards Muslim women. A study by Ghumman and Jackson (2010) revealed that Muslim women who wear hijab had lower expectations for their job prospects compared to those who did not. In another qualitative study by Syed and Pio (2010) on the experiences of immigrant Muslim women in the Australian workplace, the hijab was reported as a hindrance for these women in securing employment.The hijab is a personal choice for many Muslim women and should not be used as a tool of oppression. It is important to respect women's agency and their right to choose their own religious practices and dress.

In addition to facing challenges in public institutions, hijabi women are also at risk in areas with a high level of Islamophobia and hate crimes. For instance, in the United Kingdom, there has been a significant increase in hate crimes against Muslim women, including hijabi women, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. The consequences of this discrimination can be severe and far-reaching, affecting hijabi women's mental health, career prospects, and overall quality of life. In some cases, hijabi women are forced to choose between their beliefs and their safety, leading many to avoid wearing the hijab in public altogether.

Unfortunately, the hijab has also been used as a tool of oppression in some societies, where it is imposed on women against their will. This goes against the fundamental principles of religious freedom and individual choice. hen hijab is used to restrict and control women, it becomes contradictory to its inherent value and meaning. In 19 countries, women were harassed for not adhering to religious dress codes, such as by not wearing head coverings or dressing in other ways deemed offensive to religious norms. (In five countries in the study — Germany, India, Indonesia, Palestine, and Russia — women experienced both types of harassment.)

To address these challenges, it is vital for governments, communities, and organizations to raise awareness about the importance of religious freedom and to advocate for women’s autonomy. This can be achieved through education, media campaigns, and dialogue with communities to promote understanding and respect for different cultural and religious beliefs.

In conclusion, violence against hijab wearing women is a major problem that requires a multi-faceted solution. Laws and regulations in different countries, negative attitudes towards hijab, such as those driven by cultural differences, political motives, misogyny, misunderstandings, and Islamophobia, contribute to these challenges. Addressing these issues requires promoting religious freedom, raising awareness, and fostering community dialogue. By doing so, hijabi women can live with dignity, respect, and safety.

Written by Sarah Shalan

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