Mr. Don McPhail
Editor, Toronto Sun.
Sir,
This is in response to the column by Farzana Hassan regarding the Canadian Council of Muslim Women’s research on Muslim women who wear the niqab [face covering]
We embarked on this research because, as a women’s organization, we wanted to provide these women the opportunity to speak for themselves.
CCMW has a clear position that the niqab is not required by Islam, but that we will defend the right of a woman to express her religiosity as she desires.
CCMW openly states that this research has some limitations. For example, we were unable to interview those women who may lack facility in English and in the use of the internet.
We don’t want to make assumptions, but this group of women may include those who are “pressured” to don the niqab.
What is remarkable about this research is that about 100 Canadian women spoke out. We should heed their individual life stories and experiences and respect them for coming forward.
Our hope is that we have done some work towards eradicating stereotyping and racism against these women.
The results may disappoint individuals, such as Ms Hassan, who already has a strong aversion not only to the piece of clothing but to the women who wear it.
CCMW is neither encouraging nor rejecting women who dress differently from some of us.
Ms Hassan’s sweeping condemnation demonstrates her own prejudices, and does not reflect the 30 years of our work for equality, justice and empowerment of Canadian Muslim women.
Thank you,
Alia Hogben
Executive Director
Canadian Council of Muslim Women. www.ccmw.com
