The Closed Abaya and Feminism

Feminism is a movement that celebrates women’s rights and dignity. It also fights against gender oppression and challenges stereotypes. This has a serious impact on the way the feminist movement operates worldwide.

The Closed Abaya: A Symbol of Modesty and Cultural Identity

Abayas are traditional clothes of Islamic culture. In the past few years, more and more people in the Middle East and Gulf countries have started to prefer wearing a type of clothing called a "closed abaya". It has become quite popular! Abayas are traditionally black and cover the entire body.

They are a form of Islamic clothing worn by women who follow the Quran’s teaching that all females must cover themselves, except for their faces and hands. These robes can be opened or closed.

These robes, are also called as burkhas, are available in variety of colors and designs. Some are made to resemble the shape of a flower or butterfly, while others are draped, kimono style, or two-piece.

The abaya dress is a garment that expresses religious devoutness, while simultaneously breaking national boundaries and blending with western culture and fashion. This is a delicate balance, one that must be struck as nations such as the UAE and Qatar seek to transform themselves into modernized nations while preserving their underlying Islamic values.

While some argue that the closed abaya is oppressive and reinforces patriarchal values, many women wear it as a matter of choice and cultural identity.

Feminism and the Closed Abaya

An event known as Feminism, which aims to promote gender equality. Some argue that the closed abaya is incompatible with feminist values because it reinforces the idea that women must cover their bodies to avoid temptation and objectification by men.

Feminist movements, however, differ in their goals and approaches. Moreover, the closed abaya can also be seen as a form of resistance against the Western beauty standards that prioritize thinness, youth, and white femininity.