Which Country Banned the Hijab Recently? Here's What's Going On

By Yasmin Hana September 22, 2025 Post a Comment

Recently, a country officially banned the hijab in public schools, creating a wave of debate about personal rights and cultural policies. I've been watching all the buzz lately about this hijab ban, and as a 25-year-old woman, I had to dive in and break it down for you. Whether you've seen it trending on TikTok or in your local news feed, the whole thing sounds like it came out of nowhere—but there's way more to it than meets the eye. In this intro, I'll give you a crystal-clear overview of which country made this move, why it's sparking such a stir, and what that means for people affected.

First, let's get real about what happened: this new regulation prohibits the hijab in all state-run schools, claiming it's about enforcing uniformity. But critics argue it's stepping over a personal boundary. So, who's behind this decision, and what's the official line? I'll lay out the government's justification—like keeping things "neutral"—and then show why many people see it as targeting a specific group under the disguise of neutrality. By sharing both sides, you'll get why this isn't just another headline—it's a clash of values.

Next up, we'll explore how this ban is playing out on the ground. Are students complying? Are families pushing back? In this section, I'll peek at protests, social media reactions, and real stories from students caught in the middle. It's one thing to hear about a rule from afar, but it's another to feel its effects every day. These personal experiences give the whole situation a beating heart—and a voice that matters.

Then, we'll zoom out and compare this move with other recent policy choices around the world. Is it something unique, or part of a trend toward stricter uniforms and dress code enforcement? I'll highlight a few cases in other countries for context, so you can see if this is a one-off decision or part of a bigger picture. It's always helpful to see how similar policies have worked—or backfired.

Finally, we'll talk about what this might mean going forward. Could it face legal challenges? Will courts get involved? Or might we see future changes in legislation because of public response? This part aims to give you a heads-up on what to expect down the line. And of course, I'll include handy links and references if you want to dig deeper after reading.

What's the Hijab and Why Is It Important?

Before we get into who banned it and why that's such a big deal, let's take a second to understand what the hijab really is and why it matters so much to Muslim women around the world. It's not just a scarf someone throws on before heading out—it holds deep meaning, represents identity, and often reflects a woman's connection to her faith, culture, and personal boundaries. But trust me, it's not always as simple as it seems from the outside.

It's More Than Just a Headscarf

Some people think the hijab is just a piece of cloth on someone's head, but for many Muslim women, it's way more than that. It can represent values like modesty, dignity, and even empowerment. While the way it's worn or interpreted might vary from country to country—or even from one woman to another—the choice to wear it often comes with intention and meaning.

Let's break it down:

Modesty: It's not just about covering hair—hijab often includes behavior, speech, and the way a woman presents herself.
Obedience to God: Many women see it as part of their religious commitment and personal discipline.
Cultural Connection: In some communities, hijab also connects women to family, heritage, and traditions.
Self-expression: For some, hijab is a way to express identity and values in a visible way.

This isn't to say every woman experiences hijab the same way, but dismissing it as just a "headscarf" really oversimplifies things.

Hijab Isn't a One-Size-Fits-All

It's super important to understand that hijab can look different around the world. Some women wear a loose scarf, others a tight wrap. Some wear long robes with it, others mix it with jeans and a hoodie. There's no single "correct" way it shows up, and assuming otherwise is where a lot of misunderstandings come from.

In places like Indonesia, hijabs are often colorful and styled with pins and accessories. In Gulf countries, women may wear abayas and niqabs. In the West, you'll find hijabis blending fashion with faith. The point? There's variety, and it reflects the diversity of Muslim experiences.

What Hijab Means to Muslim Women

When you actually ask Muslim women why they wear hijab, the answers are often deeply personal. For some, it's a clear act of devotion. For others, it's about reclaiming their identity in a world that doesn't always "get" them. And for many, it's both.

Here's what real women say:

"It gives me peace and confidence."
"Wearing hijab helps me feel closer to God."
"I choose to wear it because I want to, not because I'm forced to."
"It's how I define modesty for myself."

And guess what? Some Muslim women choose not to wear the hijab—and that's part of the conversation too. The key is: choice.

The Role of Choice in Wearing the Hijab

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that women are always forced to wear the hijab. While that does happen in some cases—and we should absolutely talk about that—it's not the whole story. For many, hijab is a personal decision they come to on their own terms.

But here's where it gets tricky. Just like some women are forced to wear it, others are forced not to. And that's where bans, like the one we're discussing in this article, become a problem. Telling women what they can and can't wear takes away their agency—whether you're making them cover or making them remove it.

Hijab and Confidence—Not Opposites

It might sound surprising, but lots of women say hijab actually boosts their self-confidence. Why? Because it shifts focus away from their looks and puts attention on their words, actions, and ideas.

Women have shared stories like:

"Wearing hijab gave me a kind of strength I didn't expect."
"It helps me set my own boundaries with people."
"I'm not worried about fitting into beauty standards anymore."

Again, not everyone will feel this way, but it's worth recognizing that hijab isn't automatically a symbol of oppression—it can be the opposite for many.

The Politics of the Hijab

Now let's get real for a second. The hijab isn't just personal—it's also political. That's why you see headlines about countries banning it, governments debating it, and people protesting for or against it. For something that's deeply personal, it gets dragged into national debates way too often.

These bans are usually framed as neutral policies about "secularism" or "public safety," but let's be honest—they tend to disproportionately affect Muslim women. And often, they create more division than unity.

So, Why Does This Ban Matter So Much?

Because when a country bans the hijab, it's not just about fabric. It's about identity, rights, and freedom. Women who wear hijab aren't just choosing an outfit—they're choosing how they want to be seen, respected, and treated.

Here's why it's a big deal:

It tells women they can't control how they present themselves.
It assumes hijab is inherently bad or oppressive, without asking the women who wear it.
It creates obstacles for education, employment, and daily life.
It places Muslim women in the middle of political and cultural battles they didn't ask for.

It's like telling someone, "You can't be yourself here." And that's always a red flag.

Summary of Why Hijab Matters

Reason	Explanation
Modesty	A personal and faith-based expression of modest conduct and dress
Identity	A visible symbol of religious or cultural belonging
Empowerment	For many, hijab is a form of self-respect and confidence
Choice	Whether to wear it or not should be up to the woman herself
Resistance to Stereotype	Challenges narrow definitions of beauty and breaks assumptions about oppression

The Latest Ban — What Country Did It and Why

Okay, so let's get into the big question everyone's been asking: which country actually banned the hijab recently—and what's behind this decision? It's not the first time a government has stepped into personal clothing choices, but this one has caught major attention globally. In this section, I'll break down which country passed the ban, the context behind it, the official reasons they gave, and how Muslim communities are reacting locally and internationally. Spoiler: it's a lot more complex than just saying "no hijabs allowed."

A Quick Look at the Recent News

So, the country that recently made headlines for banning the hijab in public schools is France. And yep, France is no stranger to hijab debates. This time, though, the ban specifically targets the abaya, a loose-fitting garment some Muslim girls wear over their clothes. While technically not a hijab (which usually refers to covering the hair), the abaya is seen by many as part of a broader modest dress code that often includes the hijab.

Here's what went down:

In late August, the French education ministry announced the abaya ban just before the new school year.
They claimed it violated France's strict secularism laws in public schools.
The decision immediately sparked protests, online backlash, and concern from human rights groups.

This new move adds to a growing list of clothing restrictions in France targeting Muslim women, including bans on full-face veils and headscarves in schools and public jobs.

What Reasons They Gave

The French government said the abaya—and by extension, any religious clothing—violates their principle of laïcité, or strict separation of religion from state affairs. According to them, public schools must be neutral spaces where religion isn't visibly practiced.

Here are their main points:

Uniformity in education — They say allowing abayas disrupts the equality and neutrality of the classroom.
Preventing peer pressure — Officials claim it protects girls from being pressured into dressing a certain way.
Avoiding religious conflict — They argue visible religious symbols could spark division among students.

But let's be honest—many see this as yet another move that singles out Muslim girls under the excuse of "neutrality."

Reactions from Local and Global Muslim Communities

Naturally, the response from Muslim communities around the world was emotional and fast. Many viewed this not just as a dress code policy but as a direct attack on religious identity. Girls who wear the abaya often do so out of comfort and personal belief—not necessarily because of any strict mandate.

Let's talk about the local reactions first:

Students and families in France were left scrambling just days before school reopened.
Some Muslim students said they felt targeted and humiliated, especially when forced to remove clothing at school gates.
Civil rights groups within France started pushing back legally, calling the ban discriminatory.

And globally?

Muslim-majority countries like Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan criticized the move in international forums.
Social media exploded with hashtags like #HandsOffMyAbaya and #LetUsChoose, with women sharing personal stories and photos.
Even non-Muslim allies joined the conversation, pointing out how selective enforcement of "secularism" seems to always fall hardest on Muslims.

It's Not Just About Clothes — It's About Rights

A huge part of the global outrage is that this kind of policy blurs the line between secularism and control. Critics say it's less about keeping religion out of schools and more about controlling how Muslim women appear in public. When you start deciding what clothing is "acceptable," you're telling people their identity is a problem.

Muslim women wearing abayas or hijabs aren't trying to be rebellious or political—they're just dressing in a way that feels right to them. Taking that choice away doesn't create equality. It creates exclusion.

How It Affects Students Personally

Beyond headlines and policy debates, real students are feeling the pressure. Imagine showing up for your first day of school and being turned away because of what you're wearing. That's what happened to several girls in France, according to news reports and social media posts.

Some said they:

Felt embarrassed being singled out in front of classmates.
Were forced to change or sent home, missing valuable class time.
Questioned their place in schools that claim to promote equality.

One student even said, "I just wanted to study. I wasn't trying to make a statement." And that pretty much sums it up.

Is This Really About Secularism?

That's the big question—because if secularism means treating everyone equally regardless of belief, then why do these laws keep targeting the same group?

Let's break it down:

Christian symbols like crosses rarely get the same attention in schools.
Sikh turbans, Jewish kippahs, and other religious wear also exist in France—but bans often zero in on Muslim attire.
Many feel these laws are not neutral, but selectively enforced.

So while the government might say it's all about laïcité, the lived experience of Muslim students paints a different picture.

The Bigger Trend — Europe and the Hijab

France isn't alone in this. Several European countries have introduced similar laws or restrictions over the years. And while the reasons vary—from security concerns to cultural integration—they often have the same effect: pushing Muslim women out of public spaces unless they conform.

Some examples:

Belgium and Austria also have bans on full-face veils in public.
Denmark and Switzerland passed restrictions via referendums.
Germany has seen heated debates, especially around state employees wearing hijab.

This trend is raising red flags for human rights watchdogs and Islamic scholars around the world.

Table: Summary of France's Recent Hijab Ban

Key Element	Explanation
Country	France
What Was Banned	Abaya (modest long dress often worn with hijab) in public schools
Official Justification	Secularism, neutrality in education, equality among students
Who Is Affected	Primarily Muslim girls in state-run schools
Global Reaction	Widespread criticism from Muslim communities and human rights organizations
Public Response	Protests, hashtags, legal challenges, and international concern

Is This the First Time Hijab Has Been Banned?

You might be wondering—has anything like this ever happened before? Short answer: yes. The hijab has been a hot topic for years, not just in France but across the globe. Governments, schools, and public institutions have tried to restrict it in various ways, usually under the label of "secularism," "safety," or "uniformity." So no, this isn't the first time, and unfortunately, it might not be the last. Let's rewind and take a look at how hijab bans have played out in different places over the years—and how women stood up to them.

A Look Back at Similar Bans

Hijab bans are not a new thing. Over the last two decades, we've seen several countries pass laws or guidelines to limit or completely ban hijab in public spaces. These laws almost always spark controversy, protests, and debates about women's rights, freedom of expression, and religious discrimination. Let's go through a few examples that really stood out.

France (2004) – Probably the most well-known case. France passed a law banning all conspicuous religious symbols (including hijabs) in public schools. This was one of the first large-scale bans and created a ripple effect across Europe.
Belgium (2011) – Belgium banned full-face coverings, like the niqab and burqa, in public. While not directly a hijab ban, it was part of the same larger debate.
Switzerland (2021) – A referendum passed to ban face coverings in public. Again, this included the niqab but sparked broader conversations about other Islamic attire.
India (2022) – In the state of Karnataka, a hijab ban in schools led to court battles, protests, and international headlines.
Germany (various years) – Different states in Germany have introduced rules banning teachers or government employees from wearing hijabs on the job.
Turkey (pre-2013) – For decades, Turkey banned headscarves in public offices and universities. This was reversed in 2013, but it shows that even Muslim-majority countries have had complicated hijab policies.

As you can see, the hijab has become a symbol wrapped in layers of law, politics, and public opinion.

What These Bans Usually Have in Common

If you look closely, most of these bans are based on similar ideas:

Claim of neutrality: Governments say bans create equal spaces, especially in schools or public institutions.
Fear of extremism: Some claim that covering up is linked to radical ideologies, which is a harmful stereotype.
Cultural pressure: Countries sometimes try to push assimilation by discouraging visible expressions of minority identities.
Control over women's bodies: Let's be real—many of these laws are just another way of telling women what to wear (or not to wear).

While the reasons might vary a little, the impact often ends up being the same: Muslim women get caught in the middle.

How Women Have Responded in the Past

Every time a hijab ban has happened, there's been pushback—and it's usually led by the women who are most affected. From legal challenges to peaceful protests, women have made it clear: they're not staying quiet when their rights are on the line.

Here are some of the most powerful responses:

In India, Muslim girls protested by standing outside their schools in hijab, holding signs, and going viral on social media.
In France, women challenged the laws in court, and although many legal battles failed, they sparked major national debates.
In Germany, some women took to writing blogs, doing interviews, and launching awareness campaigns to educate people.
In Switzerland, women launched digital campaigns showing how the referendum hurt their daily lives, not just their fashion choices.

These movements have not always reversed the bans, but they've had a lasting impact on public awareness, legal frameworks, and conversations about choice.

The Role of Social Media in Resistance

One major difference in recent years is how social media has changed the way these bans are challenged. What used to be local protests are now global hashtags. Women can now share their stories with the world in real time, and that visibility makes a difference.

Some recent examples:

#LetUsLearn trended during the Indian hijab school ban, highlighting the right to education.
#MyHijabMyRight popped up in several countries, uniting women from different backgrounds.
#HandsOffMyHijab became a rallying cry across Europe, especially after France's repeated restrictions.

These movements show that Muslim women aren't just passive targets of these laws—they're active voices shaping the narrative.

Legal Battles and Mixed Outcomes

Legal challenges have been launched in almost every hijab ban scenario. The outcomes? Mixed.

In India, courts upheld the school ban, citing uniformity over personal rights.
In France, the laws have been consistently upheld by the highest courts, including the European Court of Human Rights.
In Turkey, after years of public pressure, the government reversed its hijab ban in public institutions.

So while the legal path is hard, it's not hopeless. Persistence—and public support—can make change happen.

The Impact on Daily Life

Let's talk about the real-life consequences of these bans. It's not just political noise—it affects how people live every day. Here's what some women have reported:

Skipping school or missing out on college because of dress code rules.
Losing job opportunities in government, education, or healthcare fields.
Isolation or anxiety, especially for young girls who feel targeted or ashamed.
Being forced to choose between faith and public participation.

It's one thing to read about a ban in the news. It's another to feel excluded in your own classroom, office, or country.

Table: Timeline of Notable Hijab Bans Around the World

Year	Country	Ban Details	Result/Impact
2004	France	Banned religious symbols (including hijab) in public schools	Ongoing controversy; inspired other European laws
2011	Belgium	Banned full-face coverings (niqab, burqa)	Applied broadly; affected Muslim women's freedom
2021	Switzerland	Public vote to ban face coverings	Raised concerns about discrimination
2022	India (Karnataka)	Banned hijab in school uniforms	Legal battles and student protests erupted
Pre-2013	Turkey	Headscarf banned in universities and public offices	Reversed in 2013 after major social pressure
2023	France (again)	Banned abaya in public schools	Global criticism and ongoing legal challenge

Why This History Matters Today

Understanding this pattern of bans gives us a better lens to see what's happening now. It's not just about one country or one policy—it's about a broader issue of women being told what's acceptable to wear and where.

History shows us that hijab bans usually:

Cause more division, not unity.
Lead to exclusion, not equality.
Are about control, not freedom.

So when we talk about a new hijab ban, we're really talking about a cycle that keeps repeating—unless we keep questioning it.

How Hijab Bans Affect Muslim Women

Hijab bans might look like just a policy issue on the surface, but they actually change women's lives in some pretty serious ways. From school to work to simply walking down the street, Muslim women face unique pressures when these kinds of laws go into effect. The biggest issue? They're being told what they can't wear in the name of "freedom"—which is super ironic. In this section, let's talk about what these bans really mean in day-to-day life and how they mess with basic rights like education, jobs, and expression.

Daily Life

Let's start with the basics: everyday life. A hijab ban doesn't just affect what a woman wears—it affects how she exists in public. Women who wear the hijab often find themselves forced to choose between staying true to their values or avoiding confrontation in schools, shops, and streets.

Here's what that looks like:

Anxiety when leaving home: Even walking outside can feel like a protest when your clothing is politicized.
Harassment or profiling: Some women report increased stares, rude comments, or even being denied service.
Feeling erased: When laws treat your clothing as a problem, it feels like your whole identity is under attack.

For many Muslim women, hijab is just part of how they dress—like putting on a jacket or choosing comfy sneakers. But hijab bans make it feel like every step outside is a challenge.

Safety and Confidence

Feeling safe is a basic need. But hijab bans flip that upside down. Imagine being a teenage girl told you can't wear what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. That's what happens under these laws.

Some women feel like they're forced to hide their beliefs to stay safe.
Others say they feel exposed without the clothing they're used to.
And younger girls? They're often left confused, wondering if being themselves is somehow "wrong."

Instead of creating harmony, these bans leave women isolated and anxious.

Jobs and Education

Now let's talk access—because hijab bans don't just affect feelings. They directly impact women's ability to go to school, get jobs, and build their futures. That's real.

Here's how it plays out in schools:

Girls are turned away from class for wearing abayas or hijabs, even if they're excelling academically.
Attendance drops because some families feel unsafe sending their daughters to school.
Opportunities disappear—like scholarships, internships, and extracurriculars—because of dress code restrictions.

In the workplace:

Women may be barred from applying to public sector jobs if the dress code bans hijab.
Some have been asked to remove hijabs during interviews, even in countries claiming to protect freedom.
Workplace harassment increases when clothing is politicized, putting pressure on women to "blend in."

When the law says "you can't wear that," what it really means is "you don't belong here unless you change."

Economic Impact

Let's be real: it's not just about education and dignity—it's about money, too. Hijab bans reduce women's access to the workforce, meaning fewer paychecks, fewer promotions, and less long-term financial independence.

Some long-term consequences include:

Higher unemployment among visibly Muslim women
Widening gender gaps in already struggling communities
Generational setbacks, as daughters are discouraged from pursuing careers

It's not just unfair. It's setting people back decades.

Freedom of Expression

You'd think freedom of expression includes the freedom to wear what you want. But apparently, that stops applying when it comes to Muslim women in hijab. These bans directly clash with human rights standards.

Think about it:

In most democratic societies, people can wear symbols of their beliefs—crosses, yarmulkes, turbans.
But when a woman puts on a hijab or abaya, she's often seen as "oppressed" or "radical."
That double standard is where the real issue lies.

If we say we support freedom, it has to apply to everyone. Not just people who fit a certain mold.

The Hypocrisy in the "Freedom" Argument

Here's what makes people mad (and rightly so): governments claim these bans are about liberating women, but they do it by telling women what to wear. Isn't that the exact thing they say they're protecting women from?

Ask yourself:

How is forcing a woman to remove clothing any different than forcing her to wear it?
Why are Muslim women always the focus of these laws, not other religious groups?
Who actually benefits when women are kept out of schools and jobs because of their outfits?

Hint: It's not the women.

Mental and Emotional Toll

Hijab bans affect more than just what someone wears. They take a huge emotional toll, too. Constantly being told your identity is a problem can wear down even the most confident person.

Women report:

Feeling excluded in schools and workplaces.
Increased anxiety and depression.
Lower self-esteem, especially in teenage girls.
Disconnection from society, especially when they're forced to isolate.

This isn't just political—it's personal.

Table: How Hijab Bans Affect Muslim Women

Area of Impact	Real-Life Effects
Daily Life	Increased anxiety, public harassment, pressure to remove hijab
Safety & Confidence	Fear of attacks, emotional distress, feeling exposed without choice
Education	School bans, forced removals, reduced access to learning opportunities
Jobs & Career	Discrimination in hiring, limited job options, economic dependency
Freedom of Expression	Inconsistent laws, biased enforcement, silencing of minority voices
Mental Health	Depression, social isolation, internalized shame

When Women Push Back

Despite everything, Muslim women keep showing up. They protest, organize, share their stories, and remind the world that they decide what hijab means to them—not politicians, not courts, not strangers on the internet.

From local school board meetings to global hashtags, the fight against hijab bans is getting louder—and more visible.

FAQs

There's been a lot of confusion, headlines, and social media takes about the latest hijab ban. If you're trying to make sense of what's really going on, this section is for you. These frequently asked questions break everything down—who banned it, why it happened, and what it means for Muslim women. Whether you're someone directly affected or just trying to stay informed, here are the facts, explained clearly.

Which country banned the hijab recently in 2025?

The country that made headlines in 2025 for banning the hijab in public schools is France. Specifically, the French government extended its restrictions to include abayas, which are modest, robe-like garments worn by some Muslim girls. While abayas are not the hijab in the traditional sense, they're often worn alongside it and carry similar cultural and religious significance.

The ban targets students in state-run schools, not private or religious institutions.
It follows France's long-standing position on secularism, also known as laïcité.
This isn't the first time France has introduced such a restriction (more on that later).

Why did that country ban the hijab?

French officials claim the abaya (and similar attire) violates the principle of neutrality in public schools. They argue that religious clothing creates division among students and contradicts the state's commitment to secularism.

Here are their stated reasons:

To keep public schools free from visible religious influence.
To ensure all students feel equal and "unpressured."
To prevent what they call "religious provocation."

But critics argue that these reasons unfairly target Muslim girls and ignore personal choice. Basically, the law says it's about neutrality, but many say it feels more like exclusion.

Is the ban only in schools or everywhere?

Right now, the 2025 ban applies specifically to public primary and secondary schools in France. It does not (yet) extend to universities, public transportation, or general public spaces.

In schools: The abaya is banned. Hijabs were already restricted since 2004.
In universities: Hijab is allowed, since students are considered adults.
In general public: Women can still wear hijab or abaya, except for full-face coverings which were banned in 2010.

So, it's not a total country-wide hijab ban—but it is another layer in an already long list of restrictions targeting Muslim attire.

Can Muslim women appeal the hijab ban?

Legally, there's limited room to challenge these bans inside France. French courts have repeatedly upheld similar laws. However, legal organizations and families are trying to push back.

Some have filed appeals through human rights courts, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Civil rights groups like CCIF (Collective Against Islamophobia in France) are supporting cases against the ban.
Many challenges are still in progress, so the legal outcome is uncertain.

So far, these bans have mostly been upheld, but public pressure and international concern are mounting.

What do human rights groups say about hijab bans?

Human rights organizations have strongly criticized hijab bans, calling them discriminatory and harmful to Muslim women and girls.

Key concerns raised:

They violate freedom of religion and expression.
They disproportionately affect one religious group—Muslims.
They create barriers to education and can push girls out of school.

Groups like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Open Society Foundations have called on governments like France to reverse such bans and uphold individual rights.

Has the UN commented on hijab bans?

Yes, the United Nations has spoken out in the past about clothing restrictions that affect women, especially when it comes to freedom of religion and education. While the UN hasn't released a 2025-specific statement yet, their earlier positions apply directly here.

Some key UN positions:

The UN Human Rights Committee has criticized bans that infringe on personal freedoms.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief has urged countries to avoid targeting religious minorities.
UN agencies stress that such laws can further marginalize already vulnerable populations.

So while they haven't singled out the latest ban yet, their stance is clear: freedom means letting women choose what they wear.

Are hijab bans happening in Europe or Asia?

Yes—hijab bans are not unique to France. Other countries in both Europe and Asia have implemented similar restrictions, especially in schools or public sectors.

Let's take a quick look:

Belgium: Banned full-face veils in public.
Switzerland: Passed a 2021 referendum banning face coverings.
Germany: Certain states restrict hijab for public employees like teachers and judges.
India: In Karnataka, schoolgirls wearing hijab were banned from attending class in 2022.

Most of these laws are justified using words like "neutrality" or "uniforms," but they often end up marginalizing Muslim women.

Is niqab also banned or just hijab?

Good question. It depends on the country and context.

In France, the niqab (face covering) was banned in public spaces back in 2010. That law still applies.
The hijab (headscarf) is banned in public schools but not in the streets or universities.
The abaya (long robe) was added to the banned list in 2025 for public schools.

So yes, the niqab is already banned in France—and now more modest clothing, like the abaya, is being added to the list in certain places.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, these bans do more than just regulate clothing. They send a message: that certain identities are not welcome unless they conform. For many Muslim women, that's not just frustrating—it's deeply hurtful.

Bans like these:

Reduce access to education.
Increase stigma and discrimination.
Undermine basic rights to choice and dignity.

And the most important thing to remember? These women aren't asking for special treatment—they just want the same freedom to dress according to their values, like everyone else.

Summary of Hijab Ban FAQs

Question	Answer
Which country banned hijab in 2025?	France banned abayas in public schools, continuing previous restrictions
Why was it banned?	Officials cited secularism and neutrality in state-run institutions
Is the ban country-wide?	No, it's limited to public schools (not general public spaces)
Can the ban be appealed?	Legal challenges exist, but courts have mostly upheld previous laws
What do human rights groups say?	Most call the bans discriminatory and harmful to Muslim women
Has the UN responded?	UN has condemned similar bans as violations of religious freedom
Are other countries doing this too?	Yes—Belgium, Switzerland, India, and parts of Germany have similar bans
Is niqab banned too?	Yes, niqab is banned in France; hijab and abaya are restricted in schools

Final Thoughts — What This Ban Really Means

Let's be honest—this isn't just about clothes. It's about identity, power, and who gets to decide how women show up in the world. When a country like France bans the abaya or places rules around the hijab, it sends a loud and clear message to Muslim women: "You can participate, but only on our terms." And that's not equality. That's control dressed up as neutrality.

Hijab bans don't just create headlines. They create real-life obstacles—girls missing school, women losing jobs, and families feeling like outsiders in the only home they've ever known. For many, wearing hijab or modest clothing isn't about making a statement. It's just how they live. So when governments start restricting it, they're not just regulating fabric—they're interfering with deeply personal choices.

What makes this whole situation even more frustrating is the double standard. In most societies, people can express themselves freely through fashion, religious items, or cultural wear—until it comes to Muslim women. Then suddenly it's "too much," "too visible," or "not neutral." It's a pattern that repeats itself across countries, and it needs to be called out for what it is: selective enforcement that fuels discrimination.

That's why it's so important to keep having these conversations. Whether you're directly affected or just care about human rights, knowing the facts helps push back against biased policies. Muslim women aren't asking for special treatment. They're asking for the same basic freedom that everyone else gets: the right to dress how they choose and live without being treated like a problem.

So the next time you hear about a hijab ban, look deeper. Ask questions. Who's making these decisions? Who benefits from them? And most importantly—who's being left out because of them? Because at the end of the day, it's not about uniforms, rules, or dress codes. It's about respect. And every woman deserves that—no matter what she's wearing.

Yasmin Hana Hi! I write about hijab in Islam—what it means, how it's practiced, and why it matters.