Mozambique: Muslim women ask for hijab to be allowed in ID card photos and other documents

The President of the Assembly of the Republic, Margarida Talapa, received representatives of the Islamic Council of Mozambique (CISLAMO) in a hearing in Maputo on Tuesday (27 October). On the occasion, Deputy Director Nadyma Atumane called for the official recognition of the use of the hijab in civil identification documents.

According to CISLAMO Deputy Director Nadyma Atumane, Muslim women are calling for the official recognition of the use of the hijab in civil identification photographs.

“Our main agenda concerns the use of the hijab on the civil identification document. Our concern is naturally the official recognition of the Islamic veil in civil identification documents, because this is what defines us as Muslim women,” she said.

Additionally, the Deputy Director said that wearing the veil is a free choice for Muslim women.

“The Islamic veil is not a fashion, it is not an option, and it is not imposed on Muslim women in any way. All the women who wear the hijab choose to wear the hijab; they choose to identify themselves in this way,” she explained.

For his part, the spokesperson for the meeting, Oriel Chemane, said that the President of the Assembly of the Republic had listened to the Islamic Council and promised to refer the matter for a decision.

“The President of the Assembly of the Republic took note of this concern raised by the Women’s Office of the Islamic Council of Mozambique and promised to bring it before the Assembly of the Republic for consideration. If deemed necessary, the body itself may decide on the issue raised by the organisation,” he said.

A standard hijab is a headscarf that covers the hair, neck, and ears, while leaving the face visible. The meeting focused on public consultation on the proposed law on religious freedom and worship.

Source: Integrity