The Reality of Sexual Assault on Women Wearing Burqa or Hijab

While some claim that women who wear a burqa or hijab do not face sexual assault, the historical and modern evidence paints a different picture. It is essential to address this topic candidly and to expose common misconceptions. This article delves into the reality of sexual assault faced by women wearing burqa or hijab, dispelling those who claim otherwise.

My Muslim Friends and Their Claims

Some Muslims might claim that no one who has worn a burqa has been raped. However, this is a highly simplified and misleading statement. Sexual assault is a heinous crime that has occurred and continues to occur regardless of a woman's attire.

The intention behind the burqa and hijab is to promote modesty and respect, not to prevent rape. Rapists will exploit any vulnerability, and this includes those who wear burqa or hijab. The separation of the rapist from the victim's neck to neck does not effectively prevent such crimes.

Historical Context: The Italian Occupation of Bosnia

To better understand the issue, we can look at historical events such as the Italian occupation of Bosnia during World War II. In September 1941, Italian troops subjected Muslim peasants to violence, forcibly removing veils from women and engaging in barbaric killings for sport.

A report by the commander of the NDH’s 4th Gendarme Regiment in October 1941 reveals the methods employed by the Italians to encourage division among the Muslim population:

"Our people—the Muslim Croats—are exposed to the trickery and harassment of the Greek-Easterners [i.e., the Serbs] whom the Italian military authorities are treating as unquestionable and proven factors on the basis of which our people are imprisoned. On account of such tricks many Muslim Croats lie in the prisons of the Italian authorities."

Such actions by the occupying forces led to an escalation of violence. In March, the Chetniks, a Serbian nationalist group, massacred around five hundred Muslims, primarily women and children, in the Gorade district. Moreover, many women were also raped during this time.

Current Reality: Conservative Muslim Countries and Sexual Assault

Even in the modern era, conservative Muslim countries have some of the highest rates of sexual assault. For instance, Amnesty International reports that countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran rank among the highest in terms of sexual violence.

Many of these cases go unreported due to cultural and social taboos. The idea that women wearing burqa or hijab are safe from sexual violence is a harmful myth that perpetuates ignorance and injustice. It is crucial for society to recognize that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their clothing or cultural practices.

Public Domain Evidence: Videos of Sexual Assault

Moreover, there is irrefutable evidence available in the public domain that dispels the myth that women wearing burqa or hijab are immune to sexual assault. Video footage from the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca during the Hajj season demonstrates the reality of sexual violence faced by women.

It is disheartening to see that even in such revered religious spaces, women are not safe from assault. These videos serve as stark reminders of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the need for comprehensive protective measures.

Personal Reflections

Your friend, who may be overly immersed in oppression, might struggle to see the light of reality. It is essential to challenge such perspectives and engage in open dialogue to foster understanding and awareness. Women wearing burqa or hijab do get raped, and it is our collective responsibility to address and combat this injustice.

It is also important to recognize that women covering themselves are in no way responsible for sexual violence. Rapists are accountable for their actions, and systemic changes are necessary to ensure the safety and dignity of all women.

Let us work towards a world where everyone, regardless of their attire, is free from the fear of sexual assault. Empathy, education, and advocacy are crucial steps toward this goal.