By Fatima (Paris, France)
Exactly one year ago, I shared with you my story on how being a Hijabi student in France was like on WorldHijabDay.com.
Today, 365 and a few more days later, I have understood many things and wanted to share them with you.
I understood that people don’t actually hate Hijab. They just don’t understand its meaning and purpose. And it is our role to show them how much we appreciate its significance. So that, they may also choose to see it the same by first being ourselves and embracing it. Our Hijab is part of us. Being covered doesn’t limit us. In fact, it opens up a whole new world. A world in which we know we’re being judged on our intellect, ambition, strength, and how clever we are.
Sometimes, people are curious. I am sure every single Hijabi out there has already been asked: why she wears it? If she has been forced? If she can just remove it during the summer, etc.? Understand that these are genuine questions people may truly want to know the answers to. We have to educate ourselves, and therefore be ready to face any kind of remarks – even it being rude, or discriminatory – with politeness. Because a Hijabi is a lady. And ladies don’t start fights, they finish them with kindness.
Embracing your Hijab implies you to embrace your femininity. Don’t be scared of taking care of yourself. If anyone, whether being a man or a woman, explain that Hijab doesn’t oppress women. In fact, it oppresses men that can’t see us! Now, that’s clever! 🙂
While reading my precedent contribution to WHD, I noticed I talked about how difficult it was to find an internship, or a workplace in France which allows you to wear your headscarf. Although, I had to go through several problems during my last internship due to my headscarf, I made my position clear from the beginning and always stayed firm.
In fact, even if I may, still, face some difficulties. I embraced them as part of my success. I actually had the opportunity to evolve in two different French medias, and hopefully by the Will of God, this is only the start.
If I may give some advice to young Hijabis, (and non Hijabis) who are facing problems linked to their faith, it would be to your benefit if you choose not to be excluded from society. You are part of it. You are contributing to the development of your country, wherever your country may be. If you live in the West, don’t let anyone treat you as if you are a foreigner because you’re NOT.
In order to be able to face those difficulties, I beg you ladies to avoid communitarianism (a system of social organization based on small self-governing communities), this exists , even inside of Muslim communities, which unfortunately is way too separated, lately. Don’t be scared of claiming your rights, you deserve them. Only if you love and respect yourself, and the others will love and respect you.