Veil: Voices, Causes and Politics behind it

Abstract

Veil has become a contentious issue which has been viewed differently by different people, scholars and societies. Some view it as a tool of oppression and enslavement for women while others see it as a source of empowerment and pride. Using semi-structured interviews, this study gathered data from nineteen veil observing Muslim women in Pakistan. It explored the factors behind veiling, and their experiences and feelings about it. The participants reported five motivating (religious factor, peer influence, teachers’ influence, family culture and norms, and fashion) and four controlling factors (religious pressure, family pressure, harassment, and to hide identity). Although a vast majority reported positive experiences, some also shared neutral or mixed experiences with some people ridiculing them for their veil. Those with higher level of agency were more content with and even proud of it; while those with low level of agency were mostly dissatisfied. In the discussion part, this study also discusses how veil has been used for politically motivated religious agendas (or religiously motivated political agendas) due to its religious symbolism. Women in different countries have been forced to veil or unveil. The study suggests that women should be empowered and have the right to decide on this matter. No family, society, or country should force it upon them or pull it away.