Coalition decries discrimination against women in hijab

A Coalition of Islamic groups has decried discrimination against women in hijab, saying it is not only unconstitutional but also inimical to national development.

According to the group, continued denial of Muslim girls and women in hijab reduces their chances of getting further education and other rights guaranteed by the constitution.

“The promotion of girls’ education can only be achieved if the girls in hijab are not harassed or molested by their teachers on the basis of hijab usage,” it stressed.

At a programme to commemorate the World Hijab Day yesterday, the Executive Director, Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative, Hajia Mutiat Balogun, said it was high time Nigerians stopped needless discrimination against women on the basis of hijab.

Balogun said: “Give this a thought; girl that was forced to remove her hijab in order to write an exam will definitely not perform optimally, reducing her chance of getting further education, despite our claims of promoting the education of the girl. A researcher screened out of a job placement because of the hijab may be the one in whose mind is trapped the cure for cancer.

“The Muslim nurse, who had to change her profession because she was not allowed to wear her hijab, may be just the person you need to get you through your hard time in hospital.

“Denying a person their right not only affects them, but affects us all. What we Muslim women want is simple; to secure our rights as provided by the constitution.”Balogun, a lawyer, also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that women in hijab were given equal opportunity and not treated unjustly on the basis of their appearance.