Taking Up Space: Being an Unapologetic Muslimah

Standing tall as a Muslim woman in today’s world requires a courage that is often underestimated. It’s not just about claiming space but reclaiming narratives and dismantling the layers of prejudice that seek to confine us. As a Muslim woman who chooses not to wear the hijab, my experience of Muslimahgyny—a unique blend of racism, sexism, and gender-based violence—is a poignant reminder of why our unapologetic presence is not just necessary but revolutionary.

In the workplace, the pressure to conform to an identity that aligns with Western norms is palpable. The expectation to be palatable, to fit into a mold that is often devoid of our rich cultural and religious identities, is stifling. Yet, by unapologetically taking up space, we challenge the notion that our worth is contingent on our ability to blend in. We assert that our identities, whether visible through a hijab or expressed in other forms, are not burdens but assets. They enrich the workplace with diverse perspectives, fostering environments where innovation thrives through the confluence of varied experiences.

“Muslimahgyny”, was coined by an expert in research sahibzada mayed (???????? ????) to frame and encompass the insidious roots in racism and sexism, which often manifests in the microaggressions we face daily. It’s the subtle exclusion from conversations, the questioning of our competence, or the unwarranted assumptions about our beliefs and capabilities. These experiences are not just isolated incidents but part of a broader tapestry of systemic discrimination that seeks to render us invisible. By unapologetically occupying spaces, we disrupt these patterns. We refuse to be sidelined, and in doing so, we pave the way for future generations to see that they, too, belong.

In wider society, the challenge intensifies. The visibility of our faith, whether through our names, our practices, or our attire, subjects us to scrutiny and, often, hostility. The intersection of racism and sexism here becomes a double-edged sword, cutting deeper as we navigate public spaces. Yet, our presence is a testament to resilience. By standing firm, we confront the narratives that seek to portray us as oppressed or subservient. We showcase the myriad ways in which Muslim women lead, inspire, and drive change.

Being unapologetically ourselves means embracing the full spectrum of our identities. For those of us who choose to wear the hijab, it’s a testament to our unwavering faith coupled with our commitment to serving a higher being. In a world where women’s bodies are objectified and overly sexualized, it’s a form of resistance to the male gaze. The hijab represents a woman’s right to guard her modesty and practice a lifestyle that embodies the tenets of her faith. For those of us who choose not to wear the hijab, it’s about asserting that our faith is no less valid, our commitment no less strong. It’s about challenging the monolithic portrayals of Muslim women and celebrating the diversity within our communities. It’s about rejecting the binary lens through which society often views us and embracing the multifaceted realities of our lives.

Moreover, unapologetically taking up space is a form of resistance against gender-based violence. The violence enacted against us is not always physical but often psychological and emotional, stemming from a society that seeks to control and define our bodies and our choices. By claiming our space, we assert our agency and our right to exist on our terms. We send a powerful message that our bodies are our own, our choices are ours to make, and our voices are integral to the discourse on gender and racial justice.

In the face of Muslimahgyny, our unapologetic presence is a radical act of defiance and self-love. It’s a declaration that we will not be silenced, diminished, or erased. It’s an affirmation that our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs are vital to the collective human experience. By taking up space, we are not just advocating for ourselves but for a world where every woman, regardless of her background, can stand tall and unapologetically be herself.