Jamaat-e-Islami media head Says It Would Back Hijab Law if Bangladeshis Demand It
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 February2026
· Jamaat-e-Islami media head Says It Would Back Hijab Law if Bangladeshis Demand It
· Iran allows women to obtain motorcycle licences
· Muslim woman wins 100km marathon in hijab, niqab
· First independent Islamic girls’ school planned inside Bury martial arts centre
· Australia and the United Nations: Situation of Afghan Women Is Critical, and Aid Must Continue
· Saudi Arabia puts women on frontlines? KSA Interior Ministry graduates 328 female security recruits
· Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women hosts 13th World Hijab Day 2026
· NSS supports ‘No Hijab Day’ discussion in Leicester
· Women hold nearly 40% of top public sector posts
· Taliban Deepened Repression In 2025, Says Human Rights Watch
· IOC Elects First Female Member from Iran, Marking a Historic Moment in Olympic Governance
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/jamaate-islami-to-back-bangladeshi-hijab-law/d/138737
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Jamaat-e-Islami media head Says It Would Back Hijab Law if Bangladeshis Demand It
ShoaibDaniyal
05 Feb 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami's Assistant Secretary General and publicity head, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, | Shoaib Daniyal
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Named after the Arakanese pirates who pillaged medieval Bengal in alliance with the Portuguese, Mog Bazar is a congested, low-income area in Dhaka. In these modest surroundings is located the office of one of Bangladesh’s most powerful political formations: the Jamaat-e-Islami.
The far-right Islamist party is arguably the foremost beneficiary of the July uprising that unseated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. From never having won even 10% of the seats in Bangladesh’s Parliament, today almost everyone agrees that the party will finish in the top two in the first post-Hasina elections to be held on February 12.
In Mog Bazar, Scroll spoke to one of its most influential leaders, Assistant Secretary General and publicity head AhsanulMahboobZubair, querying him on allegations that the Islamist party would roll back women’s right as well as its role in the 1971 War of Liberation, where it has been accused of war crimes in collaboration with the Pakistan Army.
Edited excerpts of the interview translated from the Bengali:
Allegations have been raised against Jamaat that it is anti‑woman.
That is baseless.
This is wrong information: that Jamaat‑e‑Islami does not like women or is an enemy of women – this is totally baseless and there is no evidence in support of it.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami is an Islamic ideological party, a party run through a democratic process. Within our party too, in the organisational process, we practise democracy, where alongside men we also have women’s organisations. Women are present from the grassroots level all the way to the top. 40% of the Jamaat consists of women.
Women are there at all tiers. In local elections we have put up women. And in the national parliament too, we have had women representatives.
So to say that we are misogynists – that is not correct.
And the allegation that we do not have women candidates in elections, that is not correct. We have had [women] candidates at all levels and in the future too we will have.
But to have women candidates in the election a safe environment is needed. Right now our women workers have been severely insulted. They are being physically tortured.
Who is doing this?
The BNP [Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the current favorite to win the election].
So let me get this right: you are saying, in this election you do not have a single woman candidate because women are not feeling safe right now.
No, that is not the way to put it. The first principle of our party is, no one can become a candidate on their own.
A person themself cannot say that I am a candidate.
We have a process: right from the grassroots, we select candidates using a consultative process. And alongside that we also take an opinion from ordinary people and then finalise candidates for a particular constituency.
But in the case of women, if such a proposal comes, that women will have the freedom to accept or not.
An election has many different dimensions. There she has to mix with lakhs of people, she has to move around, there are issues around her security, her health, her family, her children.
So in this case we give them liberty, that you decide whether you will do it or not.
Many Bangladeshis fear that if Jamaat comes to power, the life they have will change. Jamaat will indulge in moral policing, it might impose the hijab on women. What is your response to this?
This is not right. Rather, women will get the safest environment. They will get honour and dignity, their rights will be protected as citizens.
Our amir [head] has proposed that mothers with infants will have reduced working hours but will still get a full day’s wages through government funds.
In our garment sector where there are more than five million women workers – there is no safe environment for them, there are no creches, no one thinks of them. They have to bring their children to the factory.
Our policies [towards women] are scientific, humane and pragmatic
You said your party is run on Islamic ideals. Is hijab an Islamic ideal?
Yes.
So if you come to power what will your policy on hijab be?
Women will wear whatever they feel comfortable with, what they think is suitable – we will not impose anything on anyone. One woman can wear the hijab and another can choose not to.
In this case there will be no pressure from our side of any kind – a woman will choose according to her freedom, her dignity, her values and her education.
What is good, what is bad – she will choose that.
There is a law in Iran on mandatory hijab – do you think that is wrong?
I am not saying it is wrong, of course.
Each country has its own kind of law, policy. It has done it with the support of its people there.
Bangladesh runs according to its constitution, India runs according to its constitution. Iran runs according to its constitution, Saudi Arabia has its own rules.
The constitution or laws in a country are the reflection of its people’s opinions. In our country, we have our people and our constitution, we will run by that.
So, one day in future, if the people of Bangladesh want hijab?
If they want, we will do it. Why should that be a problem?
If the people want, we will do it, why not?
In Bangladesh there are Islamist parties but there are also communist parties. They want to establish communism. If people want communism, then communism will happen. It has happened across the world many times has it not? In many majority Muslim countries there is communism, is there not?
This is the beauty of democracy – that whatever the people want using their thoughts, intellect and judgement, we will respect that.
Jamaat is seen as very anti‑India. What is your response?
First, there is no evidence of that.
Second, Jamaat is a political party. Relations happen party to party, people to people, government to government. We have not even got an opportunity [to form the government].
We have not had the opportunity to show whether we will make relations good or bad. For the past 16-and-a-half years, India had maintained relations only with one party [Awami] – not with Bangladesh’s people.
We think a big country like India should think about these matters – we have many existing issues with them.
India is giving shelter to Awami leaders and Sheikh Hasina. This is a big issue when it comes to India-Bangladesh relations.
India needs to consider: will it maintain relations with one person [Hasina] or one party or with the people of Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh?
How will you reassure minorities in Bangladesh? You have said you are an Islamic ideological party…
[interrupts] An Islamic ideological party run through a democratic process.
We are very clear: whoever lives in Bangladesh, everyone is a citizen of this country – we do not slot anyone on the basis of religion. We do not say majority-minority. They are citizens of this country. According to the constitution he will enjoy his citizen rights.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami has always shown the most respect and regard towards other religions. Especially after August 5 [the day Hasina fled] we have announced that no one will take the law into their hands. With respect to people of other religions – their educational institutions, business institutions, religious institutions – we have guarded them.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami has led various relief efforts for floods, drought, famine or whatever has happened. We have stood by the people irrespective of religion or caste.
But do you accept that in Bangladesh’s history there has been a lot of oppression towards minorities?
It has not happened because of them being a minority – this has happened because of political reasons.
Even after this August 5 some incidents have happened – this is not because they were a minority. It was political.
Dipu Das was lynched…
That did not happen because of being a minority.
Even then we have condemned all these; we have not supported any incident. You cannot take the law into your own hands. We have called upon the government, the law enforcement – those who are in the administration, we have told them that this is not acceptable in any situation.
We have declared, issued statements, expressed sympathy, we have gone and stood by them. Islam does not support this; we do not support.
But many Bangladeshi Hindu leaders say a significant portion of these attacks are communal.
But we [Jamaat] have not done any of it. We have never done this.
Because my Islam, my religion, does not support this. Islam has given everyone’s respect, dignity, and security of life. This is a decree given by Allah, a decree of my religion – why would I not follow my own religion? We have not done this, we will not do this.
In 1971, Jamaat was on Pakistan’s side. What is Jamaat’s point of view on 1971 now?
For the past 16 years Hasina’s government has created this confusion among the people.
What confusion?
What you said: Jamaat was on Pakistan’s side.
They made a tribunal, arrested our leadership there, filed cases and unfairly gave death sentences to ten of our leaders.
Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has said that this trial was the most heinous trial in Bangladesh’s history. It said that the trial was a sham.
So what is your stance now on 1971. Why did the war happen? Do you hold Pakistan guilty?
What happened in 1971, that is done: Bangladesh has become separate, has become independent. We are working in that country, we are citizens of that country. We have always wanted this country’s independence, sovereignty, this country’s existence, this country’s welfare.
There might be differences in political opinion…
But do you condemn the oppression that was done by the Pakistan army at that time?
This has been decided. It has been proven in trial that this is not correct. The way you are saying it is not correct.
What is not correct?
Those 197 Pakistani officers against whom there allegations of crimes against humanity, war crimes, were let go. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh together let them go. So those who were actually guilty were let go through the Simla Agreement.
Then we come to those Bangladeshis who were tried by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – interestingly, no top name of Jamaat‑e‑Islami was there.
Twenty five years later it was alleged that they committed crimes against humanity [by Hasina].
But when her father was in power no allegation was proven.
1971’s incident should have been proven in ‘72 – it was fresh. So if there was something of this kind in ‘71, then till ‘72-’73-’74-’75 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was in power. Then not a single allegation was made against our leaders. This shows it is political.
Jamaat’s political opinion was different – we openly declare that. We wanted to keep Pakistan united [in 1971]. But you can’t use this difference in opinion to say that we have committed crimes against humanity, committed war crimes.
But you are not being able to condemn Pakistan. The fact that the Pakistan army killed so many Bangladeshis.
The government has already passed a judgement…
But what is the Jamaat’s point of view on 1971?
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is responsible.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is responsible?
Absolutely! Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is responsible.
He let go 197 known as war criminals – who will answer for that? Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should have been put on trial. I think he bears the biggest responsibility.
Later he made a law that Bangladeshis who collaborated with Pakistan would be tried. They convicted about one lakh Bangladeshis, among whom not a single one was Jamaat leader. Very interesting.
Later Hasina did politics with them [Jamaat leaders] too. This shows, this is fully political. When Hasina failed to oppose Jamaat politically, she used this [1971] trump card. Which failed on the fifth of August 2024. It has been proven that the country’s people do not believe Hasina [when it comes to Jamaat’s role in 1971].
So when people say you were on Pakistan’s side in 1971, that is fake?
There was a country at that time [united Pakistan] – I will be on the side of the country.
Suppose today if someone thinks of dividing India?
I was on my country’s side. I am the real muktijoddha, freedom fighter. I wanted my country to stay united.
When you say “my country stays united” you mean Pakistan?
Everyone wanted that. Even Sheikh Mujib.
He did not want to be Bangladesh’s prime minister [after the 1970 Pakistan general election] – he wanted to be United Pakistan’s prime minister.
This was true till the night of March 25, 1971 [when Pakistan launched military operations in East Pakistan].
Look up the history. Read Anthony Mascarenhas’s book. Till the last moment, United Pakistan was under discussion.
But the talks broke and later it took the form of war.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami allegedly helped Pakistan in 1971
No, that is not correct. Jamaat‑e‑Islami helped the people of this country. Awami League leaders took shelter in India.
India did not shelter us or any other Islamist party. Not even Bhashani.
So where would we go? We were in this country itself. We helped people in this country.
We never did any injustice. If we had, then we would have been hanged right after 1971.
Source: scroll.in
https://scroll.in/article/1090499/interview-if-bangladeshis-want-hijab-law-we-will-support-says-jamaat-e-islami-media-head
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Iran allows women to obtain motorcycle licences
4 Feb 2026
Iran formally permits women to get motorcycle licences, ending a legal grey area that left female riders vulnerable after accidents.
TEHRAN: Women in Iran can now formally obtain licences to ride motorcycles. The resolution ends years of legal ambiguity where authorities refused to issue permits despite no explicit ban.
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed the clarifying resolution on Tuesday. It obliges traffic police to provide training, conduct exams, and issue licences to female applicants.
The change follows nationwide anti-government demonstrations that grew from economic grievances. Tehran has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths occurred during the recent unrest.
For some women, the legal change arrives late. “Women have been riding motorcycles for months already,” said Saina, a 33-year-old who commutes by scooter.
She added, “I don’t think this is the main problem in our society,” referring to the protests and economic challenges. Women have faced societal restrictions since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.
Dress codes have posed a particular challenge for female riders. They must cover their hair and wear modest clothing, though many have defied these rules recently.
The number of women on motorbikes rose sharply in recent months. This trend accelerated after the 2022 death in custody of MahsaAmini, arrested for allegedly violating the dress code.
Her death sparked protests across Iran by women demanding greater freedoms. Previously, women could be held legally responsible for accidents even when they were victims.
Source: thesun.my
https://thesun.my/news/world-news/iran-allows-women-to-obtain-motorcycle-licences/
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Muslim woman wins 100km marathon in hijab, niqab
4 Feb 2026
Netizens hail Malaysian runner as “true ninja” after 100km win in modest attire.
A Malaysian woman has caught netizens’ attention on Threads after winning a 100km women’s marathon while fully covering her aurat, earning praise and respect from Malaysians across the country.
Photos shared online showed the athlete crossing the finish line dressed in a hijab, niqab, and loose clothing. Despite the demanding race distance, she appeared energetic and joyful, proving that modest dressing did not stop her from achieving sporting success.
Many netizens were impressed not only by her physical strength, but also by her commitment to her faith.
“So much energy, even celebrating happily. Solid, a true ninja runner,” dollahaliii commented.
belle_hashim wrote: “Thank you for reflecting Muslim ladies so well. You deserved it! Powerful!”
Meanwhile, chekintan_payung added: “Wow, even with a purdah. Amazing.”
mss2610 said: “MashaAllah. An inspiration and an exemplary role model!” while tariqqqqq_ commented: “Champion plus proper attire for a woman equals a true champion. Mad respect.”
daus_inche wrote: “Salute. Loose clothes, wearing a niqab, covering her aurat. Amazing. May you become an example for other Muslim runners.”
Netizens were also stunned by the woman’s victory given the difficulty level of the race.
haha_hanis said: “Wow, 100km in modest dress. MashaAllah. Congratulations.”
achu.nom94 commented: “MashaAllah. So strong, sister. Even wearing a purdah and still able to manage breathing. Salute.”
“Proof that you can dress modestly and still be a champ. Congratulations,” hanszakaria wrote.
Source: thesun.my
https://thesun.my/going-viral/muslim-woman-wins-100km-marathon-in-hijab-niqab/
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First independent Islamic girls’ school planned inside Bury martial arts centre
Charlotte Hall
04 Feb 2026
The disused ground floor of a martial arts centre could soon be turned into Bury's first independent Islamic girl’s school, if proposals are approved by the council. Backers say the school at Khizra House on Lord Street would provide a ‘much-needed’ secondary school for the large local Muslim community in the area.
Many Muslim families are currently commuting up to nine miles to take their daughters to the nearest Islamic faith schools in Bolton, Rochdale, and North Manchester, according to the applicant.
Now Bury Academy intends to create classrooms right next to the JamiaKhizra Mosque for up to 100 local pupils. The school would take over the ground floor beneath the ‘well-respected’ martial arts centre and charity Bury Defence Academy, which has stood vacant since 2017.
If the ‘change of use’ application is successful, the school would teach year seven to year 11 from 8am to 3.15 on Mondays to Thursdays and 8am to 12.15 on Fridays.
In a report written by Sheila Wright Planning Ltd, Wright said: “Despite the presence of a large Muslim community in the town, there currently isn’t a local Muslim Girls Faith School available. This means that numerous parents are commuting to adjacent towns to find a school that matches their faith-based moral outlook.
“The proposed school will mean that girls can be educated in the heart of their local community.”
The planning documents indicate the school would make use of the nearby Openshaw Park ‘for outdoor recreation and learning’ and create a ‘flexible onsite playground’ that would revert to a car park outside of school hours.
Khizra House, which is owned by the mosque, was subject to a similar proposal for up to 120 students in 2024, but the application was withdrawn by the applicant. After talks with the council’s planning department, the owners have reduced the number of pupils to address concerns around traffic impacts.
Bury Academy also acquired a school bus to ferry kids to and from school to reduce car use, and has carried out a survey among prospective pupils, which shows most families plan to walk to school.
The Bury Defence Academy would continue to offer martial arts lessons between 6-9pm and on weekends, including a number of female-only exercise classes.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/first-independent-islamic-girls-school-33361960
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Australia and the United Nations: Situation of Afghan Women Is Critical, and Aid Must Continue
05 Feb 2026
Australian officials and UN Women have warned that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule has reached “the worst level in the world,” stressing that continued humanitarian assistance is vital to prevent further deterioration.
Krystyna Arriaga, UN Women’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, told Australian media on Wednesday, February 4, that through a series of decrees, the Taliban have effectively excluded women and girls from public life.
According to her, these restrictions include denial of education, limits on access to public spaces, higher education, and essential services.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced in January that Australia would allocate an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
With this latest pledge, Australia’s total aid since the fall of Kabul in 2021 has reached $310 million.
According to United Nations figures, nearly 22 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Australia’s aid is primarily focused on supporting women and girls, healthcare services, food security, and the protection of human dignity and fundamental rights.
Krystyna Arriaga emphasized that all humanitarian assistance must be explicitly centered on supporting women and girls, adding that the multilateral system and the international community’s commitment to human rights are more important now than ever.
These remarks come as international organizations have repeatedly warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the direct impact of the Taliban’s restrictive policies on the lives of women and girls.
Source: 8am.media
https://8am.media/eng/australia-and-the-united-nations-situation-of-afghan-women-is-critical-and-aid-must-continue/
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Saudi Arabia puts women on frontlines? KSA Interior Ministry graduates 328 female security recruits
Feb 5, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security Directorate celebrated a significant step in its ongoing efforts to integrate women into frontline roles within the nation’s security apparatus, with 328 female recruits graduating from basic training at the Women’s Training Institute. The ceremony, held under the patronage of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, marks the completion of the eighth cohort of the Basic Individual Qualification Course and highlights the Kingdom’s evolving approach to women’s participation in security and defense sectors.
The event was attended by senior officials, including the Director of Public Security, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, and featured ceremonial drills performed by the graduating recruits.
What Saudi Arabia’s female recruits training entailed
During their training period, the recruits underwent a comprehensive program of theoretical and practical instruction aimed at equipping them with the skills needed for their security duties. This included lessons on:
Security regulations and operational procedures
Practical drills and physical readiness
Tactical exercises tailored to roles within public security services
The curriculum is designed to ensure that female personnel are prepared to perform with professionalism and effectiveness as they begin their roles in various security assignments.
Women’s growing role in Saudi security
This graduation event is part of a broader trend in Saudi Arabia toward expanding opportunities for women in national security and defence roles, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. Over the past decade, Saudi policy has gradually opened previously male-dominated sectors to women including security services, armed forces recruitment, policing and specialist units.
Women were first permitted to join certain security and military roles in the late 2010s, and the establishment of the Women’s Training Institute under the Ministry of Interior has acted as a central hub for developing Saudi female security professionals.
Earlier batches of female recruits have been trained to serve in areas such as:
Public Security and Patrol
Special Security Services
Border and Passport Security
Diplomatic and Hajj/Umrah Security Units
These developments underscore a commitment to gender inclusion in national service and public safety roles, expanding professional pathways for Saudi women beyond traditional civilian occupations.
Saudi Arabia’s female recruits: Broader social and policy context
Saudi Arabia’s push to involve women in national security reflects wider social reforms over recent years. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has introduced policies that allow women to participate more fully across public and private sectors, from leadership roles in business and government to service in military and police forces.
This shift echoes global trends of increasing female participation in uniformed services, where nations aim to boost workforce diversity and leverage the unique strengths women bring to complex security environments.
What this means for Saudi society
The graduation of a large cohort of female security personnel is likely to have several ripple effects:
Enhanced operational capacity within Saudi Public Security units, particularly in roles involving community engagement and specialised assignments.
Inspiration for future recruits, as growing numbers of women see pathways into sectors once closed to them.
Progress toward gender parity in national institutions, signalling broader societal support for expanding professional opportunities for women.
These changes reflect a broader cultural evolution, where women are increasingly visible in fields that play a central role in national development and safety. The graduation of 328 female security recruits from Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Training Institute represents a noteworthy milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to elevate women’s roles in national security.
Supported by structural training programs and aligned with Vision 2030’s social reforms, the achievement illustrates expanding career possibilities for Saudi women and the country’s commitment to diverse and capable security institutions.
Source: indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-puts-women-on-frontlines-ksa-interior-ministry-graduates-328-female-security-recruits/articleshowprint/127924013.cms
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Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women hosts 13th World Hijab Day 2026
Feb 5, 2026
The Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women, a congregation of women organizations, forums, associations and civil society groups dedicated to advancing the cause of Muslim women and girls across the nation marked the 13th World Hijab Day themed ‘Unity in Hijab’ with a world press conference at the Fo’uadLababidilslamic Academy, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja on the 31st of February, 2026.
The Coalition unites numerous faith based including, Women in Da’awah, FOMWAN, Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, NASFAT, JADAFIA, Criterion, Ansaruddeen, Education Social and Health Mission (MESH), Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS) Abuja, Abuja Muslim Forum, Al-Mu’minat, An-nisa Foundation, Sisters of Jannah, Initiative for Muslim Sisters, Hidaya Islamic Charity, Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic And Islamic Studies FCT, and other organizations dedicated to addressing challenges faced by women and girls, especially within the Muslim community while strategically tackling relevant issues to enhance visibility and positive outcomes.
Members of the Coalition present at the press conference included HajiyaRamatu Sani, Dr HadizaGomina, HajiyaZainab Umar, Hajiya Khadija, HajiyaHabibat and Hajiya Yusuf Aladi amongst other distinguished attendees.
After the opening prayer, Dr HadizaGomina addressed the press with a message of gratitude to numerous federal agencies that have assisted in protecting and advancing the rights and dignity of Hijab wearing Muslim and girls including
Ministry of Education, National Youth Service Corps, Council of Legal Education, Supreme Court of Nigeria, various state governments, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, the National Assembly and many other establishments.
Elaborating on this year’s theme ‘Unity in Hijab’, Dr HadizaGomina
stressed that the World Hijab Day is one of celebration of awareness, inviting women of all religions and backgrounds to experience wearing the hijab for a day and to gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning to Muslim women: ‘Through this initiative, countless individuals have come to see the hijab not just as a piece of clothing, but as a symbol of faith, strength, and identity. While much progress has been achieved, with increasing global recognition and support, the journey continues with renewed energy. Efforts to enhance positive awareness of the hijab and to ensure that those who wear it can do so with dignity and freedom remain vital.’
The World Hijab Day inspires hope, builds bridges of understanding, and works toward creating a world where every individual can proudly embrace their beliefs and choices without fear’ – Dr Gomina explained.
The keynote speaker further harped on the success stories of hijab wearing students in tertiary institutions who have excelled in their academic pursuits proving that the hijab is not a barrier
but a symbol of female empowerment and pledged the support of the coalition as they inspire the next generation of hijab-wearing trailblazers.
Some of the notable gains of the hijab advocacy movement includes legal recognition with the
Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling in 2022 that Muslim girls have the constitutional right to wear hijabs in public schools, solidifying their freedom of religion and expression.
Earlier in 2016, the Appeal Court in Lagos and the High Court in Osun State ruled that wearing a hijab is a fundamental right for Muslim women and girls. This legal affirmation has been crucial in promoting awareness and acceptance of hijabs within educational institutions and public life.
Also in 2020, the Nigerian Police Force officially allowed female officers to wear the hijab as part of their uniform, marking a significant breakthrough for Muslim women in law enforcement.
Hijab advocacy has also gained international momentum, with various countries modifying dress codes to accommodate hijabs. For instance, the U.S. Army and police forces in Canada, Scotland, Norway, and the UK have embraced policies allowing Muslim women to wear hijabs as part of their uniforms.
In 2020, the Kwara State government officially permitted Muslim girls to wear hijabs to school despite initial resistance from some schools. This ruling was a significant victory for hijab-wearing students in public schools, empowering them to continue their education without compromising their faith.
Recently the Nigerian Defence College Primary & Secondary School Ushafa students who were denied the use of hijab received an official approval to use the hijab.
In 2018, the Nigerian law schools began allowing female students to wear head coverings, culminating in FirdausAmasa being called to the bar while wearing her hijab.
Also, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced that female corps members could wear white shoulder-length hijabs for religious purposes.
In the legislature, the Nigerian House of Representatives introduced a bill aimed at institutionalizing hijab use in schools, recognizing it as part of religious rights.
The establishment of National Hijab Day in the Philippines and exhibitions in Scotland marking World Hijab Day demonstrate global solidarity with the hijab movement.
Despite the notable achievements of the hijab advocacy movement, challenges and obstacles still remain like the Republic of France’s ban on athletes wearing hijabs during the Paris Olympics in 2024 citing secularism which excluded Muslim women wearing hijabs from competition while forcing them to choose between faith and sport.
Another Muslim woman in Hesse, Germany was legally barred from becoming a judge or prosecutor because she refused to remove her headscarf during court duties, with authorities saying wearing religious symbols conflicted with state neutrality.
This decision was widely censored by human-rights advocates as discriminatory and a direct barrier to her professional aspirations
Some teaching hospitals in Nigeria still force female Muslim nursing students to wear short skirts against the tenets of their faith.
The current uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has zero regard to the required dressing of Muslim women. The so-called approved “shoulder length” hijab expected to be worn on trousers and shorts is highly inadequate for Muslim female corps members. Those who choose to wear longer hijabs have been continuously harassed by soldiers and other NYSC officials even when the hijabs are in the prescribed colour (white).
There is the need for an overhaul review of the NYSC dress code to properly include Muslim female corps members and others:
‘We propose that Muslim students be allowed to wear a knee length hijab. Also, they should be exempted from the compulsory requirement to wear shorts for parade and wear long, free, white trousers instead’.
We also urge the National Assembly to prioritize the swift passage of outstanding bills to safeguard against discrimination based on appearance or faith.’
These legislations will demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to justice and equity.’
The Coalition also called for the acceptance, encouragement, and a prejudice-free environment all hijabis, community-led initiatives for their empowerment, recognizing the hijab as a symbol of empowerment and inclusive services for hijab-wearing individuals.
The CNMW called for strict accountability measures to address harassment or discrimination against hijab-wearing individuals by public and private institutions and urged all schools to respect the Constitution of the land and the pronouncements of the Supreme Court on the inalienable right of female muslims to adorn hijab: ‘This is imperative so we don’t have to go through additional litigation to enforce the already established right’ .
In spreading awareness, the urged the print, electronic and online media to challenge existing stereotypes by promoting positive representations of hijab-wearing women.
The media stories should highlight their achievements as leaders, professionals, and role models while breaking down misconceptions about the hijab.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Muslim Women Coalition sincerely thanked ‘the esteemed members of the media for their continued support in attending today’s event, as well as other related activities’ . Your commitment to providing fair, and accurate, coverage of the Annual World Hijab Day is greatly appreciated’ – the CNMW communique stated.
Source: apexnewsexclusive.com
https://apexnewsexclusive.com/coalition-of-nigerian-muslim-women-hosts-13th-world-hijab-day-2026/
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NSS supports ‘No Hijab Day’ discussion in Leicester
4th Feb 2026
Ex-Muslims have taken part in an event in Leicester supported by the National Secular Society to share their stories of being forced to wear the hijab.
The event, which took place on Sunday 1st February to commemorate 'No Hijab Day', was hosted by Leicester Secular Society (LSS) and featured a panel of five ex-Muslim women from around the world.
No Hijab Day aims to highlight that millions of women worldwide are forced to wear hijab, often under threat of violence or even death. This includes MahsaAmini, a 22 year old Iranian Kurdish woman who died in 2022 after being viciously beaten by Iran's 'morality police' for not wearing 'correct' hijab.
The event prompted protests from Islamic groups, which accused LSS of being "Islamophobic" and said promoting No Hijab Day is "offensive".
The protests prompted LSS to arrange extra security for the event, which was funded by the NSS.
Hijab is "tool of control"
'Khan', who left Islam in 2013, said wearing the hijab was "not a choice". Raised in Pakistan, she was forced to wear a burqa from age 14 and was threatened with punishment in the afterlife if she left one strand of hair uncovered. She said she was instilled with "constant fear" to make her obedient. She was also married to her cousin in a union arranged from birth. As a result of her experiences, Khan now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
'Aliyah' was raised in the UK, but her mother converted to a fundamentalist form of Islam when Aliyah was eight years old. She was withdrawn from school and was homeschooled in how to be a "godly wife", which meant she only attended Arabic classes and Islamic studies at a madrassah (Islamic religious school). She learned no maths or science. By age 10, she was made to wear a hijab, which she said is "not just a piece of cloth" but "an entire way of life". From the age of 14, Aliyah was forced to cover herself further with a niqab, jilbab (a long cloak which covers the body) and gloves. She described this as "uncomfortable", "impractical" and "suffocating", and said she was made to feel her existence was "inconvenient".
At 16, Aliyah was married to a "complete stranger" which started to "break" her mentally and led to her fleeing her family at the age of 23. She said she would have left Islam sooner if she had been exposed to any criticism of Islam, but that accusations of "Islamophobia" mean even ex-Muslims can be afraid to speak out.
'Fatima' was born in Pakistan and taught that being a "good woman" meant covering her body, lowering her voice and obeying "without questioning". She was forced from age seven to wear the hijab, even within the home, and to pray five times a day. From age 11, she was forced to take part in fasts. She described these expectations as "emotionally draining".
Fatima described how she was beaten if she questioned Islamic teachings, and that many aspects of her life were controlled and restricted simply because she is female. From age 13 she also had to wear an abaya (long cloak) and gloves because the hijab was "not enough".
The final speaker, 'Rose', spoke about her organisation Faithless Hijabi, which works to "promote, protect and defend the human rights" of ex-Muslims. She said No Hijab Day is about recognising the many women who are forced to wear hijab against their will and "standing in solidarity" with those who refuse to wear it. She called hijab a "tool of control" to "render women invisible".
Rose spoke about the problem of "apostophobia", or hatred of people who leave their religion. She highlighted that many professionals in settings such as mental health or social care do not understand apostophobia and even give dangerous advice to ex-Muslims such as telling them to 'come out' about their beliefs to their family. Revealing one's self to have left Islam can put a person at risk of honour-based abuse; in at least 10 countries, apostasy is punishable by death.
Rose said "secularism matters" and that ex-Muslims have a human right to speak out.
The panel was chaired by Ffion, originally from an Arabic Gulf country. She explained how countries can change "very, very quickly" under fundamentalist Islamic rule from having a fairly liberal attitude to women's clothing to forcing women to wear hijab and abaya.
Islamic groups accuse LSS of "Islamophobia"
Prior to the event, LSS was visited by police after receiving a complaint about the poster (below) they used to advertise the talk, which was displayed in Secular Hall's window and used online. The police initially told LSS to take down the poster, but later apologised and said it was not illegal to display.
The Leicestershire Council of Mosques then published an open letter to LSS complaining about the poster and the event.
It said is the poster is "deeply offensive to the more than 100,000 Muslims living in Leicester and to the approximately two billion Muslims worldwide", adding that the language in the poster is "Islamophobic".
It said: "Promoting a 'No Hijab Day' does not constitute respectful dialogue or debate; rather, it is provocative, offensive, and socially irresponsible".
The Muslim Council of Britain also complained. In a letter to the LSS, secretary general Wajid Akhter said the statement "Hijab silences women" is "as false as it is offensive".
The Federation of Muslim Organisations, as well as its former secretary and now Labour councillor for Leicester Yasmin Surti, also sent complaints.
Two protestors held a demonstration outside Secular Hall on Sunday.
LSS was also threatened with police action by a Hindu group over a talk in 2023 which criticised the caste system.
NSS: 'Islamophobia' accusations 'silence women further'
LSS chair Ned Newitt called the event a "resounding success".
He said: "It beggars belief that some people have accused a group of women of mostly Asian heritage of being racist for recounting their experiences of cruelty at the hands of misogynistic religious practices.
"In a diverse city like Leicester, we need to be tolerant. That does not mean we should not criticise, especially when Christianity, the Jewish religion, and Islam have misogyny built into their holy texts.
"We would like to thank the National Secular Society for their support in the period leading up to and including the event. Their encouragement and assistance were greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for the solidarity they showed throughout."
NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said: "This was an extremely important event, and the need to protect participants with security guards demonstrates why.
"Women who refuse to wear the hijab often put themselves at risk of violence – even more so if they speak out about their oppression. But rather than showing solidarity with these brave women, too many activists brand them as 'Islamophobic', silencing them further.
"As recent events in Afghanistan and Iran demonstrate, millions of women wear the hijab not as a personal choice, but out of coercion. That's why it's vital that everyone who believes in human rights, equality and freedom of choice stands with those women who speak out against forced hijab and religious oppression.
"Our congratulations goes to LSS and the panellists for this vital discussion."
Source: secularism.org.uk
https://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02/nss-supports-no-hijab-day-discussion-in-leicester
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Women hold nearly 40% of top public sector posts
4 Feb 2026
Women now hold nearly 40% of top public sector roles in Malaysia, with significant gains also seen on corporate boards, as government policies drive gender parity.
KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s representation in Malaysia’s top public sector management has reached 39.4% as of December 2025.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this marks notable progress in narrowing the country’s gender gap.
She revealed the statistic when winding up debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“Key positions that were once pioneered and held solely by men are no longer unfamiliar to women, such as the posts of Auditor-General, Chief Justice, Director-General of Customs, mayor and others,” she said.
Nancy attributed the achievement to a long-term government policy introduced in 2004.
That policy set a target of at least 30% women’s participation at decision-making levels in the public sector.
The policy was expanded in 2011 to include the same target for the private sector.
Progress there is also evident, with women holding 33.1% of board seats in Bursa Malaysia’s top 100 listed companies as of April 2025.
This figure has risen sharply from just 14% in 2015.
“Based on these statistics, it can be concluded that significant progress has been achieved,” Nancy said.
She acknowledged that women’s participation in politics remains a challenge.
Her ministry has implemented various initiatives to improve representation at the highest leadership levels.
Throughout 2025, the Women Development Department allocated RM11.5 million for women empowerment and leadership programmes.
A key initiative is the Women Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS).
It aims to enhance the potential of talented women eligible for high positions in any sector.
In 2024, the programme mentored 1,247 participants under 25 figures across 10 fields.
It was expanded significantly last year to involve 100 women figures and 4,035 participants.
The PERANTIS programme will continue this year.
Parties interested in the women-in-politics category are encouraged to apply via the JPW portal before February 28.
Source: thesun.my
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/women-hold-nearly-40-of-top-public-sector-posts/
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Taliban Deepened Repression In 2025, Says Human Rights Watch
04 Feb 2026
Human Rights Watch said in its annual report that the Taliban expanded repression in 2025 by tightening restrictions on women and girls, increasing media controls and presiding over a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The watchdog said that it is while aid declined and migrants were expelled from neighbouring countries.
The report examines women’s and girls’ rights, corporal punishment, the treatment of people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, attacks on media and civil society, the situation of minorities, the economic and humanitarian crisis, and issues of justice and accountability.
Situation of Women and Girls
According to the report, the Taliban maintained the ban on girls’ education in 2025 and imposed further restrictions on women’s freedom of expression. It said the group’s morality police even barred women’s voices from being heard while reciting the Quran in public.
The report added that in September the Taliban banned the teaching of books written by women at universities and, through strict dress and behaviour rules, set up committees to monitor public spaces.
Corporal Punishment and Enforced Disappearances
Human Rights Watch said the Taliban carried out at least four executions last year in Nimroz, Badghis and Farah provinces. Citing the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the report said 414 people, including 83 women, were publicly flogged during the same period.
The report also documented 31 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention and eight allegations of torture and ill-treatment of former government officials and former members of the security forces.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The group said LGBT people in Afghanistan faced systematic abuse in 2025, with Taliban authorities targeting them for arrest and exploitation.
Attacks on Media, Civil Society and Minorities
The report said the Taliban continued to restrict the media, arbitrarily detaining journalists and critics, and banning political programming and reporting on human rights violations.
Activists, academics, writers and artists were also targeted and face a serious risk of arrest and abuse, it said. The report cited several cases of arbitrary detention.
It also said Taliban members used physical violence and death threats to pressure about 50 members of the Ismaili community in Badakhshan to convert to Sunni Islam, while pressure on Hazaras and other minorities persisted.
Economic and Humanitarian Crisis
The report said Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis worsened in 2025 following sharp cuts in foreign aid, Taliban restrictions and the mass forced deportation of migrants from Iran and Pakistan.
More than 22 million people faced food insecurity last year, over 400 health centres closed because of funding shortages, and millions suffered from malnutrition and required urgent humanitarian assistance, it said.
Return of Migrants
More than two million Afghans were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, the report said. Many returnees faced the risk of arrest, torture and ill-treatment after returning.
It added that the suspension of resettlement programmes in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada left thousands of Afghan refugees in prolonged uncertainty.
Attacks on Civilians
Human Rights Watch referred to cross-border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops, saying fighting and Pakistani airstrikes last year killed and wounded civilians, including children, in eastern Afghanistan.
According to the report, the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks against civilians, including a suicide bombing at a bank in Kunduz province.
Justice and Accountability
Human Rights Watch said that in 2025 the United Nations Human Rights Council established an independent international accountability mechanism for Afghanistan, and the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders on charges of crimes against humanity.
The report added that UNAMA’s mandate was extended last year, judicial investigations into alleged crimes by military forces continued in countries such as the UK, and international efforts to pursue accountability for systematic discrimination against Afghan women intensified in international courts.
Source: afintl.com
https://www.afintl.com/en/202602046963
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IOC Elects First Female Member from Iran, Marking a Historic Moment in Olympic Governance
February 5th, 2026
In a historic development for global sports governance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected its first-ever female member from Iran. Iranian badminton player Soraya AghaeiHajiagha was elected on 4 February 2026 during the 145th IOC Session held in Milan, Italy. With this election, she also became the youngest current member of the IOC. The decision marks a significant milestone for gender representation, inclusivity, and Iran’s engagement with the global Olympic movement.
Background: The International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement. It is responsible for organising the Olympic Games, promoting Olympic values, and overseeing global sports governance. Membership of the IOC is highly selective, making it one of the most exclusive international sports bodies in the world.
Iran has had limited representation in the IOC. Soraya Aghaei becomes only the third Iranian member in IOC history and the first since 2004, highlighting the rarity and importance of her election.
Key Developments at the IOC Session
Soraya Aghaei was elected as the 107th member of the IOC through a decisive 95–2 vote. She took her oath during the IOC session held ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her election was formally confirmed in the presence of senior IOC officials and international delegates.
During the ceremony, Aghaei was recognised not only as the first woman from Iran to join the IOC but also as its youngest serving representative. Her appointment reflects the IOC’s broader efforts to improve youth participation and gender balance in decision-making roles.
Significance for Iran and Women in Sports
Aghaei’s election is a landmark moment for Iranian sports, particularly for women athletes. Historically, women from Iran have faced social, cultural, and institutional challenges in accessing leadership roles in international sports bodies.
This development sends a strong message about:
Increasing female representation in global sports governance
Encouraging youth leadership in international institutions
Enhancing Iran’s visibility and engagement in the Olympic Movement
It also aligns with the IOC’s long-term agenda to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion across all levels of sport.
International Impact and Broader Context
At the international level, the election highlights a gradual shift toward more inclusive global governance structures in sports. The IOC has, in recent years, focused on reforms aimed at:
Expanding representation from underrepresented regions
Increasing the number of women members
Strengthening athlete participation in policy-making
Soraya Aghaei’s inclusion adds to these efforts and may inspire similar progress in other international sports organisations.
Source: currentaffairs.adda247.com
https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/ioc-elects-first-female-member-from-iran-marking-a-historic-moment-in-olympic-governance/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/jamaate-islami-to-back-bangladeshi-hijab-law/d/138737