Muslim women in Belgium battle Islamophobia and discrimination
A report highlights the intersectional discrimination faced by Muslim women in Belgium
BRUSSELS (MNTV) – In Belgium, Muslim women face disproportionate challenges due to intersectional discrimination, as revealed in the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) project, “Forgotten Women: The Impact of Islamophobia on Muslim Women.”
The project, conducted across eight EU countries, aimed to explore how gender, religion, and ethnicity intersect to create unique challenges for Muslim women.
The findings highlight the obstacles they face, particularly in Belgium, where an estimated 781,887 people identify as Muslim.
Belgium, while officially neutral in religious matters, has witnessed persistent discrimination against its Muslim population.
Muslim women, many of whom are migrants or of foreign descent, face barriers in integrating into society.
Despite Belgium’s multicultural image, these women often struggle to achieve professional or social success due to prejudices related to their faith or ethnic background.
One of the most visible signs of discrimination is the headscarf, which is frequently viewed as contrary to the state’s principle of neutrality.
This results in Muslim women being excluded from employment opportunities.
Research shows that Muslim women who wear the headscarf face additional challenges in securing jobs.
A study revealed that 44% of employers feel the headscarf influences hiring decisions, with some managers openly stating that religious symbols affect their selection process.
This form of discrimination is compounded by broader societal challenges, including lower wages for people of Maghreb and African descent, groups that often include many Muslim individuals.
Moreover, legal measures such as the 2011 ban on face coverings (often associated with the niqāb) have intensified the exclusion of Muslim women.
While aimed at security, the law has constrained the freedom of movement for those wearing the niqāb and heightened fears that other forms of Islamic dress may soon be restricted.
Media portrayals of Muslim women also contribute to the stigma, often depicting them either as oppressed or as threats.
This binary representation reinforces harmful stereotypes, exacerbating the difficulties Muslim women face in both their public and private lives.
The report calls for increased awareness and efforts to address the intersectional discrimination that Muslim women experience in Belgium and across Europe.
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