Opinions
Op-Ed:Women’s Rights Trampled in Somaliland?
June 25, 2011 · 34 Comments
I made a promise to myself to give the new administration a year before I began writing articles critiquing their style of government and their decisions. Well, while the year is almost over, there is something I have witnessed all too frequently recently which I felt I had to speak up about which could not wait another month. A few days ago a woman wearing a face-veil was attempting to enter the offices of government owned Hargeisa Electricity and was stopped by the security guards (military personnel) at the gates. This is perfectly normal behavior as for obvious security reasons we need to know exactly who is behind the face-veil and whether or not they pose a threat to us. Here in Somaliland it is not uncommon for men belonging to Al-Shabaab to dress up as women and use a headscarf and face-veil as a disguise while roaming the streets of Somaliland; so we do need to take precaution.
What I have an issue with is the demeaning and condescending way that the guards chose to talk to this woman telling her that face-veils aren’t a part of Islam and that she ‘must be crazy’ if she believes so.
What was even more disturbing was the fact that they literally forced the woman to show her face in order to gain access to an essential government institution when it was against her religious beliefs as she made clear to them. While the jury is out on whether or not face-veils are mandatory or not, there is no question that if a women solemnly believes that she has been ordered by her faith to cover her face, and does so voluntarily, that we are obliged to respect her religious freedom of expression.
This wasn’t the first time I had witnessed this happen. I had an argument in front of Mansoor Hotel a few weeks back with a guard who demeaned a woman for wearing a face-veil as well as many other instances in various ministries where the same was done. If these were isolated incidents, it would be understandable, but these are no mere coincidences and even the guards themselves have mentioned that these orders have come from ‘up top.’ My thoughts were how dare these guards speak harshly to women who feel that they are practicing their faith? Is this how ‘manly’ our military personnel are? What part of our constitution condones the collective oppression of an entire segment of the female population?
My sister (who has since voluntarily removed her face-veil) used to wear a face-veil in Canada. While there were instances where she was mistreated for her interpretation of her faith, the people as well as the government offices in Canada were both understanding and accommodating to her beliefs. My sister even successfully sued various institutions with the aid of the Canadian Human Rights Commission as they viewed her right to wear a face-veil a part of the Canadian Human Right’s Charter. The reason I share this personal story is so that I can shed light on the fact that Western countries that aren’t privy to the bigotry of France are generally very accommodating to those who choose to wear a face-veil (even if Canada has recently taken giant leaps backwards thanks to the Harper government).
While there is a trend in Somaliland of women wearing the face-veil for reasons other than religion (i.e. #badfaceday or to go incognito) there still remains a substantial amount of women who wear it for genuine religious purposes. My question again is who are we to tell them otherwise? Regardless of whether or not you believe in face-veils or whether mandatory, it is the personal right of women who voluntarily choose to wear a face-veil to be allowed to wear one. No and ifs or buts. If we, as Somalilanders, are selling ourselves as an ‘enlightened people’ by forcing women who voluntarily wear face-veils to show their faces to men when it is contrary to their personal beliefs, are we not forcing our own religious opinion on people as the old regime did when it killed the sheikhs that opposed them?
Being enlightened doesn’t have to mean doing whatever the West asks you to do in hopes that they will one day wake up and recognize Somaliland. Being enlightened means being more civil then the West itself and being a society where all opinions are valued and where people are able to freely practice their religion.
How difficult would it have been for these guards to ask a female colleague in their vicinity (which there was every time I had witnessed such an exchange) to confirm that the person behind the veil is indeed a woman? I estimate it wouldn’t take no more than 10 seconds to ask and explain and another 5 seconds to confirm the person’s identity.
It is acts like this of the opposite extreme that give extremists the fuel to fire their hate of the peace-loving nation of Somaliland. As a proud Somalilander I take offense to any instances where we take hasty action at the expense of the individual freedoms and liberties of Somaliland’s citizens and am especially disappointed in the dishonorable way these women have been spoken to.
Mo Hussein
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By Mo Guled
Tags: Somali women, Somaliland, Women's right in Somaliland
Readers Comments (34)
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Siyad Barre ( aun) created equlity between men and women in 1975.
he made millions of Somali women displaced/raped/killed their children,,,add those ones too my hater in dirac,,,
When did he kill millions of people? lool, somalis where only 5 million in the 1980s…. did he kill all somalis? kkkk
what about the scholers he killed or that is not true? the reson he wanted to change the rule of Allah. so at least do not support him for that despit of the deniel of killing many people as The independent called genocide of isaq when he died.
the " scholers" was nothing but terrorists who tried to destablize Somalia and destroy it… it was discovered that they were agents for Somalias enemies. The law only made somalia pogess,
" the indepedent" is a british newspaper and UK is a well-known enemy of somali unity, they were creating hate among us by writing lies.
waaw fahima at the same time he tried to exterminate an entire clan and replace them very ironic isn't it. We all know that siyad disapproved covering of the hair let alone the face. Allah already gave women their full just and equality and that is the most beautiful just and we shall always stand up for the right Allah gave women wherever we may be be it somalliland be it somalia or anywhere else in the world. Our rights is in the Quran full stop not 'safga wada gala'
sister amal stop your lies about a dead muslim, it was the somalis who destroyed their own country not siyad barre, he was just one person…. he loved all somalis.
the islamic dress on women is backward… and yes we demand our full rigths! we are not like arab slave women without dignity…..
You can never be an Isaq Man, you are an Imposter and of the worst kind; Isaq men do not use the language you have used here. You intentions are only to instigate hatrage among brothers n sisters.
''the islamic dress on (sic) women is backward…arab slave women without dignity'' ?? What is this illogical rant? Sister you love Siad so much that you would even go to defend his evil actions with utmost shamelessness?
"he was just one person" so was hitlar mate. And stop being selfish if siyad loved you guys he was killing others,
"islamic dress is backward" oh dear me lets not even go there i think too much media got to your head and i'm talking to you about killing of a clan. saying hijab is backward is like saying Allah's words is backwards.
No modern nation has pogressed by having Sharia, only secularism can enligtand devolop a country.
stop hideing behind Siyad barre, the somali people are alone responsible for being the most failed nation in 20 years… Siyad Barre jusy tryied to bring somalis into the modern world, but they refused, they choose being a failed nation rather than a glory nationhood, the choose tribalism over nationalism, they choose to be refugges around the world instead of building they own country.
saudi arabia is one for you, you need more we are muslims and we rule by our devine law not some western law that will increase the crime rate. Somaliland is an islamic state not a secular state remember that. Democracy and sharia can co-exist
I don't truly understand what your qualms or issues are here. There are security issues as you mentioned above and so if the woman you spoke of did not want to reveal herself, then she could have left without doing so. No-one and I mean no-one forces anyone to take their veils off, if you refuse then you can simply leave. There are rules in place, and some of these rules are what keepsall Somalilanders safe. Faliur to acknowledge this is mere ignorance on your behalf, not to mention how futile nit-picking of simple misunderstandings cannot be considered a commendable way of critisising a government. I emplore you to find another means of passing time, as your just simply embarrassing yourself here.
Please explain what part of she has right to equal access to government offices and my suggestion that we find a suitable middle ground did you not understand. While I am a staunch supporter of the current administration (probably more than you are) it is my responsibility to speak up when they are wrong.
If the government decided to turnn everyone named 'Omar' from the airport on the basis of credible information from intelligence agencies linking an unknown Diaspora terrorist named 'Omar' to a future planned attack wouldn't you expect someone to speak up in your defense?
Ofcourse, why not? You can just jump back on the plane or go and change your name before you come. Your reply comes of as both arrogant and ignorant. I'm surprised to be called out for 'embarassing' my self fir standing up for people by someone with a 'let them eat cake' attitude.
Mo Hussein
Happy International Somaliland Awareness Day!
Hi Mo: Please contact me at AGass08089@yahoo.com. It is a personal matter. Thanks Aw-Gass
i understand what you are saying but she has a right to have a female guard, im sure she would have no problem with that
Yeah take a hike Fahima!!!!!…U are a person full of hate…..go and hang yourself some where……
I agree with the writer about the mis-treatment of women who wear the face veil (niqab). Many islamic scholars have agreed that the niqab is not compulsory, however who chooses to wear it, should be allowed to wear. The women who wear the niqab cannot claim that it is more chaste or pure than the one who wears the headscarf only. (hijab).
The niqab and the hijab are the rights of a muslimah. No one can take it from them and no one has the right to do so.
I would not go all the way and blame the President and his government for the mistreatment of this lady. However our courts should issue a very clear standing order on this matter and whoever mistreat a muslimah for practicing her rights, should be prosecuted and punished.
Very noble article Hussein. Having voted in this administration we have a right to ask they make sure people's rights are respected. I'm not a big fan of the niqab but it's the woman's choice whether or not to wear it.
Some commenters would find that a difficult concept to grasp, but you didn't help by using such a dramatic title for your opinion. As a woman I'm glad that it was a man who stood up for these women's rights.
Your headline is just like those in the Daily Mail, the Sun, and the other shameless tabloids in Britain. They scream something like '' Britain under invasion'' on their front page and then somewhere in the middle paragraphs of the news article tell us '' by one Somali illegal immigrant man''. What a news!!
Nevertheless, you brought to discussion a valid case.
Women rights to wear the niqab should be respected. After all we are a muslim society and islamic civility is a responsibility that comes naturally. However the security personnel in Somaliland are very tough on both men and women. When I lived their I found even the well known were stopped frequently to search their cars before entering some buildings. Even if people where walking past certain areas they would face questioning etc. Most Somalilanders welcomed this stringent move for their own security.
If women feel due to this they are being unfairly treated then they should request that women be present and really involve women organisations to mediate fairness from both sides. You have to work hard for what you want even in a civilised society.
Thanks Mohammed. I always appreciate your articles.
As citizen of this country, we have all the right to critize the government when something is outrageous (like harassing women who wear niqab). You have brought a valid criticism (ills of our society, if you may) to the board. Please continue to do so.
Thanks again.
for one to point his/her openion in any matter we must be able to put two openions forward and show weakness/strength. How many of us have read the ayah of alhijab in surat alnoor, the tafseer and any sayings.
when muslims impliminted islam correctly they ruled the world to the exted after the fall of andalosia the jews fled with mulims to morroco tunis and turkey.
the writer did not bring in his openion fr discuion rather the treatment of the women.
for me the issue is of ignorance as the media has become our teacher not our ability to judge things according to our search of knowledge and wright and wrong.
It is unfortunate if Somaliland, supposedly a Muslim community, treats women just like France.
Women wearing face veil is not our custom. We are Muslims and have been practicing Islam for almost 10 centuries, but we had our way of Islam. It was innocent Islam. There has been nothing bad between female youth and male one every where whether in the country or in the town. Every body was conditioned to follow the tenets of Islam. We had innocent Islam. Remember to be a Muslim is from the heart. It is not what you wear. It is a belief and has to do with how you are convinced with this belief. Now when I see our women wearing a canvas-like cover over their bodies, I ask myself " where is our culture? Where is our simplicity? where is our innocence?. I want you to know that the new religious things we are experiencing now a days are imported foreign trends aimed at us for us to be controlled from outside. This is a new colonialism.
To Khalid and evryone, it is important to understand what we read and write in partculer mattes relating to our rligion.We must not get confused with what pepole say and we start repeating what thay say just becouse we agree with it or we are ashamed of who we are (muslims).
the vail is not an imported culture. since 10 centres ago you where not there nor you have evidance.
The issue of islam is in the heart, yes however you have to accompany that with actions(prayers,fasting, hajj…etc) for it to be valid islam .
The outlook prsentations some of it is a must some prefarable to do others forbiden.
Of course today you see many muslims emitating westren in their clothing and behavior and not only have have they replaced their islamic look even their cultural one.
We liev in a time islam has become strange among even muslims, despite the increase in muslims from not only westrens but among the elite class but islam has his Lord to protect it, and do not forget the day of Judgement is getting closer.
My friend, im afraid you are into conspiracy theories a bit more than what would be healthy. No one is trrying to control us by niqab or colonize by niqab. What the (Muslim) world is experiencing is an Islamic Revival, i.e. people are becoming less embarrassed to show that they are Muslim,more braver etc.
What is ''innocent islam'' ? It doesnt make sense as I have never heard of it before. There is Islam of the Quran and Sunnah, thats it :)
Plus, it is not true that you are Muslim only from the heart. A Muslim is one who does what he preaches, with action, prays etc. not simply say ''I believe''. For example, if you say '' I love my mother'' but you treat her badly, does it match? No, so both actions and speech should match :)
.
However, it is true, that the Niqab has been said by scholars to be unnecessary so many women don't wear it. But, it is a valid opinion among scholars and so a woman can wear it if she wants to. You can try and convince her using evidence from other scholars opinions' and convince her that it is not necessary etc. But if she is not convinced then it is her Islamic right to follow the most convincing scholarly opinion
I agree with you Khaild. What happened to us! where is our moderate Islam and belonging to our community who was enriched with culture and identity as well. we lost that and I missed it badly. Religion is being decent human being, kind, caring others, etc, not put on ugly clothing and cover the beauty God has granted you women. Ooh beloved Somali way of living, where are you?
Layla.
ugly clothing? Layla, if you object to what the reasonable laws say regarding Modesty and protecting the nature of both sexes, then that is your problem. But nakedness and lewd manners that bring about Aids is what has destroyed many countries. We have our culture, minus the looting of camels and killing innocent men over lands. Islam is already moderate, there is no need to throw around the word ''Moderate Islam'' that was created by the Western Media to make Muslims leave their customs and manners.
Now, if you know a bit of Jurisprudence, you would know that Niqab is a choice and not a Fardh like Salah or Sawm.
Where do some people get this from? Fish and Chips has brainwashed some.
middlepath, they are ugly clothing indeed! i am not against any reasonable laws, eventhough i do not understand what you meant by that. i am not naked and i do not promote nakedness. i promote women to look good, without believing men like you. religion does not protect people from any disease, but awareness, education does. I never follow what western say, but i strongly believe that what we were and had some time ago was better than now. we were Somalians and muslims, while now we are blind , deaf and Arab followers.
Mo, I respect your opinion and concerns, but at the same time these Military guard men are doing their job reason being that we are surrounded by enemies who want to do us harm and as you pointed out are in disguise. Therefore, it is imperative to have tightened security around the presidency and government institutions. So my suggestion is to have female guards to check female wearing a face-veil in order to accommodate them. It is as simply as that and I hope the government will take a note and solve the problem.
And thanks bring the story to light. Keep it up.
yes but a female guard could have assisted her, it's not like they dont have them
Im pretty sue we have female police, mashAllah, who could have done this much easily. In government buildings, there should be female police also present so they can check women, as it would not be nice having to be physically checked by males even for other hijabi women.
I wanted to also say, that niqab vs hijab is a difference in opinion between scholars of the past and the present, so a woman can follow whichever she thinks has the strongest evidence and therefore if she decides to wear hijab than that is fine, if she decides to wear niqab then that is also fine. Both are halaal.