French Sociologist Refuses To Say Hijab is A Symbol of Oppression

Surabaya. A research conducted by a French Sociologist, Anne Francoise Guttinger DeA, on  Muslim women of Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia dismisses the notion of Western feminists, who believe that hijab is a symbol of oppression and that a woman should abandon the hijab to be considered modern.

“It is with the hijab that you (Muslim Women of HTI) can show modernity. You can express your ideas. You become the most daring people to voice your ideas. This is modernity “, said the French sociologist, when revealing her research in the Open House of  Muslim Women of  HTI on Sunday (14/10) at the Building of Islamic Propagation in East Java.

Anne believes that her dissertation entitled New Voice of Women in Indonesia could provide a different discourse about Muslim women in Western countries especially in France, where many people consider hijab as a symbol of male oppression in the name of religion. Thus, the women must choose between the religion and the gender.

However, Muslim women of HTI prove that it is not necessary to choose either one of the two options. The reason is that they are able to comprehend Islam as a religion which puts the gender in an equitable manner. As a result, through wearing hijab, they are able to talk about politics, criticize the government, educate the public and struggle for shariah without leaving their role as a mother and a housekeeper.

Three-year Observation

Anne began her research after reading an article three years ago about a group of Muslim women in Indonesia dressed in white headscarf and black jilbab, who took part in the demonstration on the issue of Pornography Act. “Dressed in black and white, while carrying flags and against pornography,” recalls Anne about Muslim women of HTI.

Since then, not only did she become interested in knowing  more about them, but she also chose Muslim Women of HTI as the object of  research for her doctoral degree (PhD) in Ehess University, France.

Her interest in HTI Muslimah apparently brings Anne to another image of Muslim women mostly described by the feminists – that the veiled Muslim women is a form of oppression, and that talking about politics or Islamic laws is only the right of men.

“Since I’m from the West, I only heard the voice of the feminist. But here (in Indonesia), I found not just one voice. There is a lot of discourse about Islam that can compete with the (voice) of the feminists. It is something new, “she said in front of dozens of participants in the open house meeting.

Around three years ago, Anne had conducted a brief research on the Muslim women of NU and Muhammadiyah’s Asiyah. However, Anner thinks that the muslim women of HTI Muslimah are more unique with their activities, thoughts and ways of dress.

From that point onwards, Anne began to know many Muslim women of HTI. Anne admitted that the movement of Muslim women of HTI is a unique one and has become a new phenomenon. Previously, she thought that Muslim women of HTI was a feminist movement.

“Is this modernity, is this a feminist movement? Are the Muslim women of HTI a social movement or political party? “she asked herself at the beginning of her study.

Then, Anne intensively studied the activities of HTI’s Muslim women especially in Surabaya and Jakarta. In various events, Anne observed that the nature of the discussions and debates carried out by HTI is not patriarchal, which has been the characteristic depicted by the feminists to describe the condition of women who are dominated by men. “When they are forced in the househould,  then it belongs to the concept of patriarchy. Clearly, with all sort of their activities the Muslim women of HTI are not patrarchal, “she said.

From her observations for more than two years, not only do the Muslim women of HTI talk about shariah but they also play their role as a mother and a household manager. “There is a division of public and private sectors in the world of Muslim women. They can do both household chores and get involved in the activities in the community, “she added.

In addition, HTI’s Muslim women have different profiles compared to the women in general. Not only can students and or lecturers become its members, but also women from all walks of life. Their political awareness is very high.” They actively campaign against capitalism, liberalism and secularism,” she explained.

Anne saw that Muslimah of HTI becomes a basis of collective identity of HTI, which plays an essential role for the social progress of a civilization. Women as mothers and educators of the new generation have a very important role in the struggle to re-establish Khilafah. (Mediaumat.com, 10/17/2012) (RZ)