Investigating the Self-Perceptions and Experiences of Veiled Women in Pakistan

Sidra Noor, Muhammad A. Malik

Abstract


The present phenomenological study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of veil-taking women. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 purposefully selected Pakistani veil-taking women. Construct validity of the tool was checked through expert opinion from 5 experts from social sciences and qualitative research fields. Respondents reported three main reasons for taking the veil: Islam and Quranic values, family norms, and fashion. All the participants looked at their veil approvingly and considered it a sign of respect, freedom, and empowerment. However, some women reported that they had faced prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypical attitude due to their veil. The study suggests that wearing a veil or not should be the right of a woman. Neither should a person be ridiculed, harassed, or discriminated for taking; nor for not taking it.


Keywords


Veil; Women; Gender parity; Harassment; Islam; Pakistan.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/jsas.009.03.3864

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Journal of South Asian Studies
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