Exclusive: Gauahar Khan On Women Facing Criticism For Wearing Hijab: “Feminism Shouldn’t Be Selective….”
Fair point!
Women who wear hijab often face backlash for conforming to the patriarchal norm of society. It is always assumed that women who wear the hijab are forced to wear it and that they don’t have a choice. Even the ones who are practising their faith religiously, and are covering themselves because they want to are also told not to wear the headgear. Gauahar Khan is one such actress who was criticised for wearing a hijab. In the latest episode of The Male Feminist, Gauahar talks about a Muslim woman’s right to wear the hijab.
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In a conversation with Siddhaarth Aalambayan, Gauahar Khan talked about the backlash that hijabi women face for covering their heads. She questioned why is the idea of women wearing what they want to wear not applicable to wearing hijab. Gauahar said, “If women who are feminists, say, ‘Wear what you want to wear’ then why not the hijab?”
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Gauahar Khan also talked about how women support other women who wear outfits other than an abaya or a hijab. She said, “Utna hi right us aurat ko bhi hona chahiye jo hijab pehenna chahti hai.” Gauahar went on to add that a woman who wants to cover her head or wants to wear a headscarf or even wear a loose kurta should be given the right to do so. Khan added, “Feminism cannot be selective.”
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The 14 Phere actress also talked about how wearing the hijab is a personal choice for many women. “Who has set this norm that an outfit is to be worn a certain way only”, questions Gauahar.
Gauahar has often shared pictures and videos of her wearing the hijab during the holy month of Ramzan or when she visited Mecca. She wants people to let women dress the way they want to.
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