Headscarf Bans Undermine Women’s Rights Globally — Erdogan’s Daughter Sumeyye
New Age Islam News Bureau
18 April 2025
· Headscarf Bans Undermine Women’s Rights Globally — Erdogan’s Daughter Sumeyye
· Saudi Female Students Win 4 Awards At European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad
· Women Condemn Syria’s Draft Constitution: Exclusion Is Unacceptable
· VIU Student Researches Perceptions Of Women’s Rights In Iran
· Vettel: There Is Still A Race To Win For Saudi Women In Motorsport
· MURIC hails Jigawa over hijab approval for security personnel
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/headscarf-bans-women-globally-erdogan/d/135220
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Headscarf Bans Undermine Women’s Rights Globally — Erdogan’s Daughter Sumeyye
APR 18, 2025
Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar / AA
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Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of KADEM (Women and Democracy Association), has sounded the alarm over rising anti-Islam and discriminatory practices targeting religious women around the world, particularly in Western countries.
Citing recent developments such as France’s controversial ban on headscarves in sports, Bayraktar condemned what she called “absurd policies” that treat religious identity as a privilege granted only after adulthood.
Delivering her keynote address during a panel at Ibn Haldun University, Bayraktar pointed to a troubling trend: women who wear headscarves often feel forced to give up their rights to education, employment, or participation in sports in order to adhere to their beliefs.
“These policies push women out of public life, creating glass ceilings that stem directly from a denial of religious freedoms,” she noted.
Citing European studies, Bayraktar highlighted that job applicants with headscarves are 65 percent less likely to be called for interviews.
“Women who wear the headscarf face up to 40 percent more workplace discrimination,” she said. “This not only impacts individual careers, but also erodes broader efforts toward gender equality and social justice.”
KADEM’s commitment to pluralism and rights
Bayraktar reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to opposing narrow and top-down definitions of women’s roles.
“We reject the imposition of a uniform woman model rooted in modernisation narratives,” she said.
“We will continue advocating for women's freedom of belief, guided by local values, cultural context, and a broader human rights perspective.”
She emphasised the importance of enabling women to live and work in accordance with their faith: “When this right is denied, society suffers as a whole. Any world that systematically erases women from social life cannot call itself just, inclusive, or democratic.”
France’s sports ban: A symptom of deeper issues
Bayraktar harshly criticised France’s justification for its ban on hijabs in sports—namely, that “religious affiliation divides people.”
She argued that such logic could be extended to ban any expression of identity, including language, ethnicity, or even physical characteristics. “This is not about secularism,” she said. “This is about using secularism as a tool to stigmatise Islam.”
“This is a war on identity”
Framing the issue as more than discrimination, Bayraktar described it as a “multidimensional identity war” where religious women, especially Muslims who wear headscarves, are primary targets.
“A single photo on a job application can erase everything a woman has worked for—her skills, education, and contributions. That is profound injustice,” she said.
A call to action for universal rights
“This isn’t just about religious identity,” Bayraktar concluded. “It’s about the right to exist, the right to live, the right to work, and the right to freedom of thought and conscience.”
Calling for a collective response, she pledged: “We will not let go of our rights. We will fight for a world that is enriched by difference, elevated by tolerance, and committed to equality and justice.”
Source: trt.global
https://trt.global/world/article/aa30546baf2f
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Saudi Female Students Win 4 Awards At European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad
April 18, 2025
A view of the 2025 European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad held in Pristina, Kosovo from April 11 to 17, 2025. (EGMO photo)
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PRISTINA, Kosovo: Saudi Arabia's math team won four awards in the recently concluded 2025 European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO).
The April 11-17 competition, hosted this year in Pristina, Kosovo, featured 217 female students representing 56 countries.
All four Saudi contestants won awards, with Fatimah Buali capturing a silver medal, Sarah Aljughayman winning a bronze, and RetajAlsaleh and AlbatoolAlaidarous both garnering an honorable mention, according to the EGMO site.
The latest score has raised the Kingdom's medals tally in the annual competition to 36 awards, including 2 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 15 bronze medals, and 12 certificates of appreciation.
The Kingdom was represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), which screens and prepares Saudi children in international scientific competitions and Olympiads.
Saudi Arabia is among the non-European countries that have regularly participated in annual EGMO event, which started in 2012. Among the other regular participants are Japan, China, Australia, Brazil and the United States.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2597532/saudi-arabia
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Women condemn Syria’s draft constitution: Exclusion is unacceptable
18 April, 2025
Women affiliated with civil institutions in the countryside of Deirez-Zor, located in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, criticized the constitutional declaration, stating that it reproduces exclusionary and marginalizing policies. They particularly objected to the limited representation of women, reduced to a single seat, describing it as “a consolidation of oppression.”
Manal Al-Ahmad, the Co-chair of the Services Office in eastern Deirez-Zor, stated, “A constitution that grants women only symbolic presence is one that enshrines injustice and fails to reflect the reality of Syrian women—who have been and continue to be partners in struggle, from revolution to the reconstruction of society. Excluding them from shaping the future simply means reproducing past crises.”
She added, “Syrian women have proven their capability in achieving success across various fields—political, economic, and social. Ignoring this role is an insult to their dignity and a waste of the potential of society as a whole.”
Manal demanded genuine and effective representation of women in all institutions, asserting, “This is not a favor to be granted, but a natural right for those who stood firm in the face of war and destruction. A new Syria cannot be built without women's voices and active involvement.”
Kalthoum Al-Amin, the member of the Women's Committee in eastern Deirez-Zor, echoed these sentiments, stating that forming a government that excludes women continues a legacy of marginalization. She added, “Such an approach contradicts the principles of justice and equality, and reflects a clear refusal by the Damascus authorities to acknowledge women’s political and social roles.”
She emphasized that the constitutional declaration fails to provide any form of fair representation, instead reinforcing exclusionary practices, describing this trajectory as one destined for failure.
Souad Al-Saleh, the member of the Archives Office in Deirez-Zor, remarked that Syrian women have never been mere witnesses to history, but rather its makers. She said, “From liberation struggles to political participation, women have always been at the forefront. We reject any attempt to marginalize or undermine their role.”
Jenan Al-Ahmad, the member of the Economic Office in eastern Deirez-Zor, emphasized that excluding women is not simply a matter of absence, but a deliberate policy. “What is happening is an intentional erasure of pluralism and a silencing of any dissenting voices—just as diversity in Syria is being targeted,” she said.
Jenan concluded by calling on both local and international communities to support women and pressure relevant committees involved in building Syria to ensure fair representation. She stressed the importance of unity among women in confronting all deliberate efforts to marginalize and exclude them.
Source: hawarnews.com
https://hawarnews.com/en/women-condemn-syrias-draft-constitution-exclusion-is-unacceptable
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VIU student researches perceptions of women’s rights in Iran
April 17, 2025
Reza Arbabi is exploring the perspectives of Canadian-born people about what they know of feminist solidarity and women’s rights in Iran.
Reza is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology and Minor in Women and Gender Studies. His passion for human rights, especially women’s rights, is inspired by his mother.
As part of a research project, he has created an online survey to help create a focal point of understanding what westerners know or believe about Iranian gender equality.
What made you decide to enroll in two programs at VIU, Psychology and Studies in Women and Gender?
I was first introduced to the Psychology program through the inspiring work of Dr. Melanie O'Neill, whose passion deeply influenced my decision to pursue psychology. I chose the SWAG minor because of Professor KJ Reed’s remarkable work and the support they have provided. Their insight and dedication have inspired me to deepen my engagement with the program.
Tell us about your research project.
The project, Differences in Views on Iranian Feminism Frameworks and Neo-Liberal Feminism in Canada, is part of my directed instruction supervised by KJ Reed. The research explores how Canadian-born participants perceive and engage with Iranian women’s movements in comparison to neo-liberal feminism as practiced in Canada. Using an online survey, the study examines awareness levels, cultural understanding and the extent of global feminist solidarity. The aim is to highlight how dominant feminist narratives in Canada may overlook or marginalize non-Western frameworks, such as those emerging from Iran.
How did you choose what you wanted to research?
Feminism advocates for the rights of all women regardless of race, location or background. It is important to question how neo-liberal feminism may exclude or misrepresent global struggles.
From my learnings in the SWAG program and becoming involved in feminist circles and counter-public spaces, I grew conscious of a lack of awareness regarding Middle Eastern issues, particularly those affecting women. These conversations are often filtered through a Western lens.
Human rights, especially women’s rights, have always been a personal passion. My mother, NooshinZarnani, has contributed significantly to the field of women’s rights, and this has shaped my commitment to the topic. This project serves as a small tribute to her and to the many activists working in this space.
What is the overall importance of this research project?
Early results of the study suggest a lack of awareness within feminist circles, education systems, media and the public regarding women’s rights in Iran, especially when viewed through the lens of Western feminism.
Canada is a multicultural nation that welcomes people from around the world, which is beautiful. However, it’s crucial to recognize that marginalized groups within and beyond Canada are still fighting for the same rights.
Source: news.viu.ca
https://news.viu.ca/blog/viu-student-researches-perceptions-womens-rights-iran
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Vettel: There Is Still A Race To Win For Saudi Women In Motorsport
17 APRIL, 2025
Now known as “V5” – a reference to his name and former F1 car number – Vettel oversaw a special two-day training event on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 April, held at The Track, a purpose-built 10,000m² karting facility with a 1,000-metre tarmac circuit located near the Saudi Stadium, around half an hour from the Formula 1 venue.
Vettel said: “There is still a race to win. Whether in biodiversity, social issues, or here in Saudi Arabia, there are still challenges worth racing for.”
The academy brought together 20 Saudi women aged 14 to 24, all clad in white race suits, to learn the fundamentals of racing, including on-track skills, simulator training, physical fitness, and motorsport theory. The group also received media training and mentoring from professional female racers affiliated with Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin.
F1 Management acquired the filming rights for the event, capturing Vettel’s hands-on involvement and interviews during breaks from trackside mentoring.
A growing motorsport platform for Saudi women
Vettel fährt Kart mit Frauen | F1-Insider.com
Vettel continued: “#Race4Women challenged me when I was still at Aston Martin. You need to push for grassroots here in Saudi to allow them to come to Europe. What began as a first taste of karting in 2021 has grown into a real passion for some of these women.”
Since women in Saudi Arabia were granted the right to drive in 2018, Vettel has become increasingly involved in championing gender inclusion in motorsport. He first launched a karting event for Saudi women during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend and has continued to support initiatives aimed at helping female drivers chart a path toward international competition.
The Track now regularly hosts a “Ladies Cup,” and several participants from the current programme have ambitions to pursue racing careers in Europe.
With the support of the Saudi government and partners such as Pirelli, the facility includes a 300-seat outdoor grandstand and 300m² of climate-controlled indoor space, providing a professional environment for future talent to flourish.
Vettel concluded: “This is a social project – but it’s also about giving these women the opportunity to believe they belong in motorsport. It’s a race worth running.”
Source: grandprix247.com
https://www.grandprix247.com/2025/04/17/vettel-there-is-still-a-race-to-win-in-motorsport-for-saudi-women-grassroots-karting/
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MURIC hails Jigawa over hijab approval for security personnel
April 18, 2025
by TajudeenAdebanjo
An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, for encouraging the use of hijab among female staff of private security organisations in the state.
In a statement yesterday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, poured encomiums on the governor for directing the three private security outfits in the state to allow their female Muslim staff to wear hijab on their uniforms.
MURIC said the action shows how well the governor understands his religion and how proud he is of his faith.
Akintola said: “Governor Umar Namadi comes across as somebody who will not succumb to civilizational intimidation. His latest directive proves that he is out for inclusivity, decency, modesty and dignity for women in the workplace.
“We urge all Muslim government officials wherever they are and no matter how highly placed to boldly and honestly profess and practice their faith without manifesting any hypocritical aura. Only thus can they earn the blessings of their Creator as well as the respect of fellow homo sapiens, both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“This does not prevent Muslim officials from respecting Allah-given and fundamental human rights of non-Muslim workers under them. In fact, unjust treatment of others is a grievous sin in Islam because Allah commands justice and righteousness towards all regardless of religious leaning.”
Source: thenationonlineng.net
https://thenationonlineng.net/muric-hails-jigawa-over-hijab-approval-for-security-personnel/#google_vignette
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/headscarf-bans-women-globally-erdogan/d/135220