Canada, NU Online
Wondering what Muslim women wear, and why? Then ask them, at a get-together Thursday.
A group of Islamic organizations is inviting people to hear Muslim women tell their stories in their own words and answer questions.&l<>t;br />
"It's a woman's choice to wear a miniskirt or niqab," said event organizer Shahina Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Social Services Association.
A niqab is a full-body garment that covers the hair and face, except for the eyes.
For Canada to be truly inclusive, people need to have a better understanding of each other, said Siddiqui,
When France banned the wearing of religious head scarves in public schools in 2004, Siddiqui warned people here about the spread of discrimination and intolerance.
"People said, 'There's no way it's going to happen here,' " Siddiqui said.
But in the last two months in this country, two women in Quebec have been ejected from class for not removing their religious head coverings. That's too close for comfort, said Siddiqui, who is organizing the event in Winnipeg later this month.
"Where does it end?" she asked.
Siddiqui wants to get the silent majority who support women's rights and freedom of religious expression to speak up. Right now, the "loud voices" of the angry minority are being heard, especially at the charitable organization she runs.
"We're getting hate mail and hate calls," said Siddiqui, who has been outspoken in her support of women's right to choose covering their heads -- or baring their legs.
Manitoba's Muslim population is growing as the province increases its annual immigration targets.
Manitoba is aiming to reach 20,000 newcomers by 2017.
According to the 2001 census, the number of Muslims in Manitoba increased by nearly 45 per cent, to 5,100 from the 1991 census.
In 1991, there were 2,805 Muslims in Manitoba. In 2001, there were 5,100.
Today, it's estimated there are more than 7,000.
The event Thursday takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carol Shields Auditorium at the Millennium Library. (dar)
Wondering what Muslim women wear, and why? Then ask them, at a get-together Thursday.
A group of Islamic organizations is inviting people to hear Muslim women tell their stories in their own words and answer questions.&l<>t;br />
"It's a woman's choice to wear a miniskirt or niqab," said event organizer Shahina Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Social Services Association.
A niqab is a full-body garment that covers the hair and face, except for the eyes.
For Canada to be truly inclusive, people need to have a better understanding of each other, said Siddiqui,
When France banned the wearing of religious head scarves in public schools in 2004, Siddiqui warned people here about the spread of discrimination and intolerance.
"People said, 'There's no way it's going to happen here,' " Siddiqui said.
But in the last two months in this country, two women in Quebec have been ejected from class for not removing their religious head coverings. That's too close for comfort, said Siddiqui, who is organizing the event in Winnipeg later this month.
"Where does it end?" she asked.
Siddiqui wants to get the silent majority who support women's rights and freedom of religious expression to speak up. Right now, the "loud voices" of the angry minority are being heard, especially at the charitable organization she runs.
"We're getting hate mail and hate calls," said Siddiqui, who has been outspoken in her support of women's right to choose covering their heads -- or baring their legs.
Manitoba's Muslim population is growing as the province increases its annual immigration targets.
Manitoba is aiming to reach 20,000 newcomers by 2017.
According to the 2001 census, the number of Muslims in Manitoba increased by nearly 45 per cent, to 5,100 from the 1991 census.
In 1991, there were 2,805 Muslims in Manitoba. In 2001, there were 5,100.
Today, it's estimated there are more than 7,000.
The event Thursday takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carol Shields Auditorium at the Millennium Library. (dar)
