Restricting or interfering with the donning of abayas may result in feelings of exclusion and the deterioration of the cultural fabric of the community, thereby hindering educational outcomes.
Gazi Muzamil & Zahid Lone
On June 8, several girls from the city’s Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School Rainawari protested against the school administration for not allowing them to wear Abbaya (a loose-fitting, full-length robe that Muslim ladies typically wear). They reported that they were chastised for wearing it and blamed the Principal for saying that students who wore abbaya should join a madrassa (a religious school) instead, an ‘admission’ that the school Principal later declined. Following the immense backlash, the school administration clarified that the prohibition was simply for wearing other colours of abbayas by girl students and that the school has tightly involved a specific colour of abbaya in uniform for girls.
Abaya is a traditional kind of clothing worn by Muslim women all over the world. Abaya has an important role in social, economic, and cultural settings in Kashmir. It is strongly rooted in our socio-religious and socio-cultural spectrum, and it is frequently regarded as a symbol of modesty as well as a means of expressing religious and cultural identity. It was always a part of the school uniform culture in different Kashmiri schools and is always associated with promoting social equality and cultural enrichment. It is used by women regardless of income or degree of education. It draws women together and gives them the impression that they are all the same. The perception among people that wearing abaya makes women less appealing and compromises their dressing style and personality in a dynamic and changing society is misleading. In fact, abaya comes in many different styles, designs, and colours, which provides women with comfort for choice. Many women use abaya to show off their personal style and sense of fashion while still being modest. Others think of it as a way to show off their cultural or religious identity while keeping their own style and sense of self through the choices they make within the limits of modest dress. People often think that the abaya makes it hard for a woman to move around or take part in different activities. Even though the abaya may need to be adjusted for some physical tasks, women who wear it are still able to work, play sports, and do other things they do every day without losing their modesty.
In Kashmir, the question of whether educational institutions should interfere with girl’s choice of wearing abaya has prompted significant debate and controversy. The abaya, a loose-fitting black cloak worn by women in certain regions, has both religious and cultural significance. While some argue that educational institutions should respect the cultural and religious practices of their students and allow them to wear the abaya, others believe that it is a hindrance to learning and may even be a security concern. Shah Muskan, a Research scholar at Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir said that “Abbaya marks our social inclusiveness and freedom of choice” she argues that it is not an imposition from parents neither a barrier in our way of living. The debate has intensified in recent years, with some institutions implementing dress codes that prohibit the wearing of the abaya in certain settings, while others have taken a more permissive approach. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the abaya is a symbol of identity and cultural heritage for women, and any overt or covert attempt to restrict its use within or outside educational institutions must be carefully considered and weighed. In our society, the abaya has profound cultural significance and is an integral part of women’s identity. While we should constantly celebrate and recognize women’s personal liberty, we must also respect her right to choose. Arguing that wearing an abbaya threatens classroom etiquette is a fallacious and ambiguous argument. While retaining a part of the ladies’ school uniform, fosters modesty and a sense of equality, thereby meeting the requirements of maintaining school decorum. By permitting students to wear the abaya, educational institutions recognize and value cultural diversity. Expression of culture is a vital aspect of personal growth and should be celebrated rather than repressed. Restricting or interfering with the donning of abayas may result in feelings of exclusion and the deterioration of the cultural fabric of the community, thereby hindering educational outcomes. Complex and delicate is the question of whether educational institutions should interfere with abaya donning. Respecting individual liberties, cultural identities, and religious beliefs is essential, but it is also essential to establish a balance that allows for a conducive learning environment. Educational institutions should strive to accommodate cultural and religious diversity by establishing policies that uphold respect, decorum, and inclusiveness. By doing so, institutions can establish an environment in which students feel valued, celebrated, and prepared for academic success while maintaining a harmonious educational environment.
Zahid Lone is a research scholar at Kashmir University & Gazi Muzamil is a Student Activist. The authors can be reached at lonezahid112@gmail.com