In this episode, we will be exploring the phenomenon of veiling as a metaphor for the feminist debate we began in the last episode. Although the veil or the niqab isn’t as common today, the wearing of the hijab is quite similar in principle and therefore we will be considering them interchangeably for the sake of placing this discussion in a modern context. Drawing from historical texts written by Zachs and Halevi, Saba Mahmood and Leila Ahmed, this episode will explore the way in which veiling is interpreted by the Western, secularist and Islamist feminist movements as well as the reasons for which Arab women choose to veil or not veil today. By the end of our discussion, we hope to have consolidated the need for a more located perspective of feminism that accounts for the Islamic culture and traditions.

I am honoured to share this space with Mais Shalabi, a biomedical engineer working in the medical devices industry in Dubai.