The Headscarf Controversy
All topics-
Emancipation in the MENA region
The patriarchy is crumbling
With regard to gender justice, things look bleak in the Arab world. Laws typically discriminate against women, while national legislation all too often does not comply with the international agreements governments have signed. By Mona Naggar
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Behind the veil
The double life of Pakistan rapper Eva B
Pakistan's breakthrough rapper Eva B has racked up millions of views online, but walking through the labyrinthine streets of her Karachi neighbourhood, she is anonymous. Her hair covered with a hijab and a veil falling below her eyes, she evades the attention of fans and detractors
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France and Islam
French mayor reignites burkini row
Burkinis have been a long-standing catalyst for dispute in France, calling societal attitudes towards Islam and feminism into question. Rule changes in Grenoble suggest opposition to the garment could be receding, writes Joanna York
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Anti-racism, anti-discrimination
Rafia Zakaria – feminism is not only white
Pakistani-American author and lawyer Rafia Zakaria advocates for a broad-based feminism that doesn't just address the concerns of white women. By Christine Lehnen
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Muslimas on Instagram
The many ways to tie a headscarf
Some German women who’ve converted to Islam are choosing to maintain a public presence on social media such as Instagram, under names such as "Hijabi on Tinder“. In doing so, they’re fending off the cliches and the hate – no matter where it comes from. Julia Ley reports
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First ever antidiscrimination chatbot
Meta: standing up to racism
Former lawyer Said Haider has invented a chatbot for those seeking advice on anti-discrimination issues – Meta is the first chatbot of its kind in the world. In conversation with Qantara.de, Haider talks about the development of Meta, his experience of discrimination and Meta's future prospects
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ECJ headscarf ruling problematic for Germany
When it comes to headscarves, commerce trumps God
The European Court of Justice has given its backing to companies that don't allow female Muslim staff members to wear headscarves – as long as they don't permit the wearing of even small crosses and other religious symbols either. This is a problem for Germany in particular. By Wolfgang Janisch
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The image of Muslim women
“We refuse to be hijab-wearing princesses”
Among Muslims, the image of women as "cossetted hijab-wearing princesses" is frequently invoked. But Muslim women have long wanted to be more. In her essay, Karoline Roscher-Lagzouli explores how they can find a new approach to their Muslim femininity, beyond patriarchal ideals and the hackneyed Western debate on headscarves
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Swiss burka ban: what will it achieve?
Swiss citizens have voted by a slim majority for a ban on face coverings. In future, Muslim women will not be allowed to wear burkas or niqabs in public. Protesters and hooligans who hide their faces will also face fines. Such bans apply in several European countries. Europe's press is at odds over the decision.
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Canada and the problem with Bill 21
Quebec's controversial secularism law takes the stand
In France and in Canada's Francophone province of Quebec issues of personal freedom have recently been thrown into sharp relief. In Quebec, legal proceedings have been initiated against Law 21, which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. Richard Marcus reports
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Interview with Melisa Erkurt on her book "Generation haram"
"Teachers must be taught not to become racists in class"
Melisa Erkurt came to Austria from Bosnia as a child with her parents. As a journalist, she now writes about education, which is also the subject of her latest book “Generation haram”, which focuses on education’s so-called losers. Interview by Schayan Riaz
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Islam in the Netherlands
Burka ban and face mask laws frustrate Dutch Muslims
One year after the burka ban in the Netherlands, Muslim women are reporting increased discrimination and violence. Adding to the frustration, face masks against coronavirus have become mandatory on Dutch public transport. By Ingrid Gercama and Sanne Derks