Women say Saudi Arabia has advanced significantly in just the past year, with more choices regarding work, fashion (including colored abayas) and social spaces, but restrictions remain everywhere.
Tag: Muslim Veiling
At Pro-Taliban Protest, a Symbol of America’s Lost Influence: Faces Obscured by Veils
Several hundred women wore the head-to-toe garments at a pro-Taliban demonstration on Sept. 11. The march was a reminder of how after years of war, Afghanistan’s women are again at the mercy of the militants.
Dutch-Turkish Novelist Depicts Her Journey to Secularism With No Inhibitions
Lale Gul’s autobiographical and sexually frank tale of a woman breaking with her conservative Muslim culture, and her strict parents, is a best seller in the Netherlands. “I’m done hiding,” she says.
Quebec’s Ban on Public Religious Symbols Largely Upheld
The ruling exempts English-speaking schools and effectively allows provincial legislators to wear turbans or head scarves, but it angered civil liberties advocates as discriminatory.
Swiss Voters Narrowly Approve a Ban on Face Coverings
The referendum forbids veils worn by Muslim women in public places, as well as ski masks donned by protesters.
Indonesia Says Schools Can’t Make Girls Wear Head Scarves
The decree, which applies to public schools in the Muslim-majority country, came after a Christian father confronted an official at his daughter’s school.
Halima Aden Quits Fashion, For Now
The well-known model shared via Instagram that she’s taking a break to set some boundaries in the industry.
Will Mandatory Face Masks End the Burqa Bans?
As face coverings become the rule in public spaces, attitudes about head scarves may change.
Nora Illi, Swiss Muslim Convert Who Sparked Controversy, Dies at 35
When the first Swiss canton banned full-body veils for Muslim women, Ms. Illi showed up wearing one, prompting the police to get involved.
The ‘Niqab Squad’ Wants Women to Be Seen Differently
A movement of Indonesian women promotes the niqab veil as a way to get closer to heaven and avoid sexual harassment. Others fear it reflects growing extremism.