Throughout history, we have witnessed people in power politicising religion. In more recent times, the societal pressure placed on Muslim women, often formed by the cultural patriarchy, is immense. And it seems that the easiest and most visible way to do so, is to dictate a woman’s hijab, or her covering.
In a number of majority-Muslim countries, a woman is either legislated, regulated, or compelled socially to wear the hijab. In an increasing number of countries where Muslims are in the minority, Muslim women are restricted or prohibited from wearing the hijab in certain spaces, and may be excluded from assistance or access to basic necessities if they still choose to wear their hijab. Unfortunately, and unsurprisingly, these rules mainly adversely impact Muslim women. These rules either would restrict or prevent them from accessing education, employment,
