Why I wear the hijab

Israa Ali
The Silhouette

And it's over.

The MSU Presidential elections. The incredible race which led to a historic voter-turnout of nearly 41 per cent at McMaster.

Seeing so many unite and others abstain has been quite the experience for me. Never in my life, did I think I would realize so many epiphanies all at once.
Nonetheless, I’d like to take the time to address one of the offensive comments that had come up during the elections to ensure more minds are enlightened: “How can you call for equity when you are wearing a hijab? Hijab is a symbol of womyn’s oppression.”

If anything, the hijab I wear is a call for equity. To me, it’s a real life manifestation for the definition of women’s liberation, rather than oppression. Your statement, despite the immense ignorance it encapsulates, had strengthened my attachment to the value system I hold. I have been a passionate advocate against oppression and a proactive visionary towards building an inclusive community ever since I chose to wear the hijab. Note the “I chose” in the aforementioned? Exactly.Though, you’re probably not the only one who doesn’t “get it.” Let me shed more light here.

The hijab has been used by the media as a symbol for oppression to reduce an entire population and strip away its identity to ensure its voice is eliminated. To ensure all those who practice the hijab are rather degraded and their opinions undermined…And I know exactly how that feels like.

So yes, the hijab is a symbol of women’s oppression brought forward by a dark cloud of stereotypes and misconceptions. I am oppressed and I am undermined, but this begs the question…by whom?

If you refer to the values I hold dear, then I would beg to differ. I carry forward a call for integrity, a model of self-respect and these same values have been the source of my empowerment. So no, I am not oppressed by the value system I hold.

It’s the society I am living in, the one that’s swayed by the media. The media that advocates for profanity, hate, lust and women objectification. That, I can say with absolute confidence, is the source of women oppression in general.

The hijab is a model of self-worth and an entire advocacy system for women empowerment. It’s a pursuit for focusing on the intellect and strengthening of the identity. Despite the propaganda. Despite the hate and despite the political agendas thrown here and there, the hijab to me is a beautiful way of life. A life I will forever cherish and love.

So yes, I dare call for equity. And no, I am not oppressed.

After all, I did run to be the next president of the McMaster Students Union.