Initially I viewed the burqa as a symbol of oppression for women but thinking critically about the subject showed me that I really knew nothing of its true religious meaning.
Is this something that I as a western woman will ever be able to understand?
I went in search of the reasons behind this religious attire.
To clarify, I am referring to the full veil dress that covers a woman from head to toe.
In Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, women are legally required to wear the burqa in public and if they do not comply with these rules, they face severe punishment.
According to Islam, a woman of faith is required to practice modesty in conduct and dress.
Women are expected to wear the burqa so as not to draw any unnecessary attention to their bodies.
This practice has sparked debate recently as President Nicholas Sarkozy has recently banned the wearing of the burqa in public throughout France.
The French, long known for their appreciation of fashion and beauty, regard the burqa as symbol of oppression for women.
The burqa ban can be interpreted as a major obstacle to the freedom of women who feel compelled to wear it, but on the other hand it may provide much needed respite to the many Muslim women who are forced to wear the burqa by family, friends or religion.
After discussing this issue with a friend of mine, who is of Muslim faith, she revealed that she too was considering wearing the burqa now that she is married.
I asked her why she felt the need to wear the burqa and how a woman feels she can express her individuality when she is virtually unrecognisable.
Her answer was direct; she simply told me that it was normal.
It was something she had grown up with and to her it was not seen as oppression against women. It was just something that was a part of her everyday life.
She explained that many educated women wear the burqa.
It is considered to be a symbol of dedication to their faith and family.
As we kept discussing the issue, we came to a dead-end.
I came to the realisation that I as a western woman who has grown up with the freedom to do or wear whatever I like, would never truly understand the reasons behind wearing a burqa.
So when these women are migrating to countries such as France, Australia or in fact any western country should they be forced to give up something that is a part of their culture?
While I don’t advocate the reasons behind wearing the burqa, I do believe that all women should have the right to wear or dress however they like.
If a woman chooses to walk down the street wearing a burqa then so be it.
Being free means having the right to make our own decisions.
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