VEILED: PERSPECTIVES
Rona started wearing the headscarf in September 2015 when she first started university. At first it was a
really tough experience but having started in a new school setting made it easier. She had always wanted
to wear the hijab and university was her easy access to begin as no one knew her at UofT. The fact that she
was entering a new environment made it easier because no one had prior expectations of her. Avoiding the
questions on the sudden wearing of hijab is what kept her holding off the hijab until university. Growing
up she didn’t thoroughly understand the concept of covering and believed if it truly was about religion, it
should be her choice, and it should be something done if and when the person is ready and understands
it. Only when she actually looked into the purpose of the veil did she feel the desire to start wearing hijab.
“It shocks me when I hear comments made of oppression due to covering
because everyone I know including myself wears the
hijab solely of choice.”
The first experiences of wearing hijab were amazing for Rona as she found that she could finally be who
she wanted to be. The only tough experiences she faced were the looks she would occassionally receive.
People always mentioned how others may look down on women who cover but she did not realize the
extent of that reality and how much it actually affects people until she started covering herself. It was also
heartbreaking for Rona to be told that she would be limited in the headscarf and that she wouldn’t get the
chance and opportunities at certain jobs because of it. However, that put forth a different perspective for
her as she contemplated whether she would compromise herself to be friends with people who put down
her decisions or work for a company that limited her growth based on her dress. It provided her with the
opportunity to chose her friends that would be supportive of her and the path that would make her happy.
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