Islamophobia and systematic exclusion push veiled women to leave France

Muslim women in France suffer from systematic political and social exclusion, which has prompted many of them to leave the country in search of better opportunities.

An Anadolu report revealed that Muslim women in France are exposed to political and social exclusion, more than other women, despite their birth and upbringing in France, their obtaining a higher education, and their possession of professional skills that would contribute to building the country.

The report showed that discrimination and social unacceptance forced many Muslim women to search for job opportunities outside the borders of France.

In addition to facing discrimination in the workplace, Muslim women in France also suffer discrimination in education and in civil society.

Due to the ban on the hijab, veiled women in France are prevented from going to school, which has negatively affected their professional lives.

Despite their motivation to contribute to French society, Muslim women are not allowed to share their skills and experiences in educational settings. They are also prevented from participating in civil society activities.

In light of this systematic exclusion, many Muslim women chose to leave France and pursue their careers abroad.

While the rest of them in France were forced to make difficult decisions, such as removing the hijab to conform to societal pressures or withdrawing from the workforce in the face of discrimination.

It is noteworthy that in 2004, religious symbols in France, including the hijab, were banned in schools. The ban was later expanded in 2010 to include public places as well.

Despite France's steadfast defense of its "democratic" policies that guarantee human rights and unconditional tolerance towards the religious beliefs of minorities, it has become known in recent years as one of the most hostile and offensive countries in Europe to Islam.

As a result, French society witnesses tension that is regularly fueled by issues of women wearing the veil and niqab, spaces for women in swimming pools, or questioning some of the school programs affiliated with religious minorities in the country.