Fashion

Facebook Group Challenges The Hijab

by Lindsey Rose Black

Since 1983, the Islamic Republic of Iran has imposed compulsory hijab and women that choose to show their hair in public can (and do) go to jail. Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, creator of Facebook group My Stealthy Freedom, wants to change that according to Popsugar. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this group has created a space for women to literally let down their hair and voice their opinion on the law.

Alinejad is not out to demonize hijab or banish it, she simply wants to help create an Iran where each woman can decide for herself whether or not to wear the headscarf. In a video of Alinejad describing the page, she shared images of women with comments like "I believe in hijab but hate compulsory hijab" alongside posts from women saying things like, "I just want to feel the wind in my hair." Hijab or not, the right to choose is really what's at stake.

Highlighting the reality Alinejad one day hopes to see, she pointed out four women walking by her in Brooklyn while filming, two in hijab, and two without. Her enthusiasm was uncontainable as she said, "four women walk by each other without judging, without arrest ... Isn't that beautiful? I want that." I want that, too.

To see the full video, click here.

Image Credit: danseaveclesloups/Instagram; My Stealthy Freedom/Facebook