Malala Yousafzai calls on Indian leaders to let girls go to schools in hijab

Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist, raised worry on Tuesday about the ongoing hijab debate in Karnataka, where Muslim girls wearing headscarves are prevented from attending classrooms.

The education activist remarked on Twitter, “College is pushing us to pick between study and the hijab.” It is awful to refuse to allow females to attend school while wearing hijabs.”

“Objectification of women endures – for wearing less or more,” Malala said, imploring Indian politicians to end the “marginalisation of Muslim women.”

Earlier in the day, the Basavaraj Bommai-led administration in Karnataka ordered the closure of schools for three days as demonstrations erupted across the state over the issue.

Campuses witnessed ‘conflict-like’ situations marked by stone-pelting, police use of force, and Muslim girls standing their ground for wearing headscarves, prompting calls for peace and calm from both the government and the high court, which is hearing a petition from students about their right to wear the hijab.

“I urge to all students, instructors, and administration of schools and institutions, as well as the people of Karnataka to preserve peace and unity,” said Bommai, who is in New Delhi.

Bullies are being bullied by a Hindu crowd screaming ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Muslim hijabi girl

Earlier today, a video of a female being heckled by over 100 male students wearing saffron scarves went viral on social media.

When a Muslim girl called Muskan, who is wearing a headscarf, walks into her college, a saffron-clad crowd surrounds her and shouts ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ In answer, the girl shouted ‘Allah-u-Akbar.’

Malala Yousafzai tweet:

“College is forcing us to choose between studies and the hijab”.

Refusing to let girls go to school in their hijabs is horrifying. Objectification of women persists — for wearing less or more. Indian leaders must stop the marginalisation of Muslim women.