Burka diktat imposed by men, not the Koran
Thursday 02 September 2010
Printable
EmailMany of the contributors on the recent discussion in these pages on the wearing of the burka seem to think that women who wear it do it voluntarily for religious reasons, but as it is not referred to in the Koran that cannot be the reason.
Together with other restrictions on Muslim women the only conclusion I can come to is that the wearing of such restrictive dress is imposed by men.
In 1985 at an international women's conference I met Anahita Ratibzad, president of the Democratic Organisation of Afghan Women when Barbrak Karmal was president of that country.
Anahita told me of the dramatic changes in the lives of women in her country. They were discarding the burka, going into remote provinces on literacy programmes, becoming doctors and teachers and taking part in economic production. I often wonder where they are now.
People in Britain are encouraged to integrate but how is this possible when the wearing of the burka prevents equal access to economic, social and political activity.
When I see women dressed in the burka I feel sad for them and offended to see them wearing this symbol of their subjugation.
Betty Tebbs
Manchester
If you have enjoyed this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep publishing your paper.
