ONE of my friends mentions that she used to wear a burqa and hijab, but her clothing choices were influenced not by her own beliefs or faith but by fear and harassment. Isn’t it a common phenomenon for women living around us?
In her eighth grade, her mother bought her three custom-made burqas. Her decision was not based on religious beliefs or cultural customs; it stemmed from a desperate need to protect her from constant street harassment that affected her mental health and academic performance. Her parents had tried everything else: confronting identifiable harassers, reaching out to the police, and even personally escorting her to school and tutoring sessions. The burqa became their final resort.
A 2020 study by the Pew Research Centre highlights a concerning reality: women in 56 countries experience social hostility for their clothing being perceived as either ‘excessively religious’ or ‘overly secular’. This dual pressure shows that the core issue isn’t about particular fashion choices but rather about controlling women’s bodies and autonomy. Whether a woman opts for a burqa or a bikini, she frequently faces judgement, harassment, and even violence.
My own case studies highlight this widespread issue and compel me to ask: Does hijab really protect women from sexual harassment or the objectifying male gaze? Based on my observations and the stories of other women in my community, the answer is a definitive ‘no.’ I’ve seen women in burqas, niqabs, and hijabs endure harassment, from catcalls to unwanted physical contact. What was intended to offer protection often turned into a target for those wanting to impose their views on women’s modesty.
Once more, the reasons women choose to wear hijab or similar clothing are varied and multifaceted. While many do so out of sincere religious belief, other motivations exist as well. For example, a friend shared that she wears it as a way to ‘wear whatever I want underneath without being judged for my clothes.’ However, relying on such attire as a shield against harassment highlights a troubling societal failure.
Additionally, women who wear burqas and hijabs increasingly encounter a different form of harassment, primarily from racists and Islamophobes. In many Western countries, Muslim women have reported experiencing verbal abuse, physical attacks, and discrimination in public places and workplaces solely for wearing garments like a niqab or burqa. This harassment not only infringes on their right to express their faith but also forces them to choose between their beliefs and their safety. It starkly illustrates that the regulation of women’s clothing extends beyond modesty or secularism; it often serves as a vehicle for broader prejudices and attempts to control women’s visibility in public spaces.
Conversely, women who opt for attire considered ‘too secular’ encounter their own challenges. They are often blamed for any harassment they endure, with their clothing choices cited as a justification for unacceptable behaviour. This conflicting pressure — to avoid being too covered or too exposed — creates an impossible standard, leaving women in a no-win situation.
A few years ago, a male colleague made an inappropriate remark about another colleague’s body and openly ‘advised’ her against wearing ‘tight-fitting’ clothes. It was surprising to see a man telling her what to wear, especially when she wasn’t breaking the company’s dress code. My experiences of being compelled to wear a burqa to avoid harassment and being told what to wear at the office exemplify a broader issue. Rather than addressing the root problem — the behaviour of harassers — society tends to place the onus on women to change their appearance. This mindset reinforces the harmful notion that a woman’s clothing is to blame for the actions of those who harass or assault her.
Research consistently disproves this belief. A study by Jane Workman and Elizabeth Freeburg found that individuals were more likely to blame rape victims wearing shorter skirts. However, this perception contradicts the facts. Studies indicate that there is no connection between a woman’s clothing and her chances of being assaulted.
Even in seemingly progressive settings, this issue continues to thrive. In December 2017, US Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur astonished her colleagues by suggesting that the revealing clothing worn by some members and staff was an ‘invitation’ to sexual harassment. She made these remarks during a private Democratic Caucus meeting focused on discussing sexual harassment issues, as reported by Politico. This incident highlights how deeply rooted these damaging attitudes are, even among those who are expected to advocate for equality.
The repercussions of this clothing-based oppression are extensive. It restricts women’s involvement in public life, impacts their educational and career prospects, and perpetuates a cycle of inequality. Additionally, it shifts focus away from the true problems: the actions of harassers and the societal frameworks that support such behaviour.
In a world that celebrates freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, women still encounter a subtle form of control: the regulation of their clothing. This issue crosses cultural, religious, and political boundaries, exposing a deeply entrenched societal problem that calls for our attention and action.
To tackle this complex issue, a multifaceted approach is essential. We need to implement comprehensive programmes that teach respect, consent, and gender equality from an early age. Additionally, we should prioritise legal reforms, including stricter enforcement of anti-harassment laws and the elimination of clothing-based defenses in assault cases.
As responsible citizens, we must advocate for narratives that highlight personal accountability for one’s actions, regardless of what others wear. The media also has a crucial role to play; we need to challenge and reshape the portrayal of women to emphasise their abilities rather than their appearance. Additionally, implementing and enforcing clear guidelines in workplaces against harassment and discrimination based on clothing should be taken seriously and prioritised.
The right to choose one’s clothing without fear of harassment or assault is not a privilege; it’s a fundamental aspect of personal freedom. As a society, we must understand that oppression is not determined by what women wear but by the attitudes we uphold. It’s time to dismantle these harmful narratives and create a world where women are evaluated not by their hemlines or headscarves but by the merit of their actions.
Md Habibul Haque teaches at the English department in ZH Sikder University of Science and Technology.
