Wearing the hijab can hinder women in the west

When I was on a business trip in Germany, I met a Muslim lady who had just finished her Masters in sociology. She told me about the difficulties - in particular, discrimination - she and other Muslim women who wear the hijab are currently facing when trying to find a job.Sadly, her situation echoes the stories of many in Europe, and this was quite a shock for me.

After doing my research, it turns out that the continuing stereotypes of Muslim women as oppressed, uneducated and passive still persists, unfortunately. This can sound like a stereotype in itself, but it's a reality that I've seen and observed that, in Europe, Muslim women - especially those who wear the hijab - do not generally hold positions that deal with the public. Despite their education, many Muslim women in Europe work behind closed doors. (continue reading...)