The hijab, worn to demonstrate modesty and faith, is empowering, not oppressive, to women of the Muslim faith, said 45-year-old Viana Qadoura of Iowa City, founder and director of Mariam Girls’ Club .
"Usually, the Western World, they write our narrative," Qadour said. She is a Muslim woman who lived in Burlington before moving to Iowa City. "We are here. We have loud voices. We can write our own narrative and speak."
She is one of the women I interviewed at the Iowa City-area World Hijab Day celebration attended by 250 people in Coralville.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen published my full story on the conversations. Read it by clicking here.
(Douglas Burns, a fourth-generation Iowa journalist, is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative.)
"The hijab, worn to demonstrate modesty and faith, is empowering, not oppressive, to women of the Muslim faith, said 45-year-old Viana Qadoura "
As long as the women for whom it is NOT "empowering" are not silenced by the women for whom it is. The problem with this "empowering" angle is that, just like the "oppressive" angle, it automatically leaves out the voices and perspectives of the opposite side. Nuance is needed.
Interesting piece which reflects diversity in my town. Another man-made rule for women. To each their own path and head gear. I prefer a stocking cap these days.