Thursday afternoon saw the Muslim Student Association (MSA) of Stellenbosch University (SU) host a discussion on the different experiences of Muslim women on campus in spirit of Islam week. The panel consisted of various SU Muslim women where questions from MSA member and Law student, Mehnaz Allie and the audience were asked.
Panel members from left to right, Zara Schroeder, Aaliyah Davids, Iman Choonara, Saaniyah Yacoob, Reem Elmahdi and host Mehnaz Allie. PHOTO: Jessica Josephs
When asked whether she had experienced difficulty to express her Muslim identity on campus, BSc Life Science student, Iman Choonara, expressed:
“Personally I haven’t experienced any major challenges being at this university but one of the main things I’ve struggled with is dressing modestly in the heat. We are a minority on this campus and it feels like everyone is looking at you and judging you because you’re dressed differently.”
“I know one friend who came to campus and took off her scarf that she was wearing full time at home because she felt there was too much pressure to fit in and she didn’t want to stand out,” she added.
Journalism Honours student, Aaliyah Davids, on the other hand felt that the most judgement and hate came from the Muslim community and especially Muslim men on campus:
“I started wearing my hijab in second year and I was reminded the other day how this man came up to me and said you used to be really pretty until you started wearing a scarf. Stellenbosch is not exactly safe space for women. The moment you put on a hijab, you immediately mark yourself as someone that stands out. I’ve created my own safe space with friends who are understanding and choose not to be ignorant and educate themselves on how to be more welcoming.”
MSA member and Law student Mehnaz Allie addressing the audience at the discussion on Muslim women’s experience at SU. PHOTO: Jessica Josephs
Law student, Saaniyah Yacoob, expressed that she had received more judgement from Capetonian Muslims. “I don’t dress extremely modestly in summer and there’s an immediate judgement. Coming to Stellenbosch and being in Metanoia, I was longing to find Muslim friends that would help me on my journey and I didn’t get that – I still only have a handful of Muslim friends.”
Sociology Masters student, Zara Schroeder’s experience of transitioning from Saudi Arabia to Stellenbosch – where Muslims are the minority – was a huge culture shock. “Moving to a mixed residence was kind of traumatic for me as well as coming from a Muslim community to a place like Stellenbosch where not many people understand your culture, but making Muslim friends actually helped me transition into this place,” she explained.
Applied Mathematics Masters’ student, Reem Elmahdi, an international student from Sudan expressed her belief on how it is necessary to have some friends who understand you.
“International students are also feeling the same thing I experience, which is loneliness in this environment. I find it very difficult to live here because I don’t get the culture of South Africa yet. I joined MSA to meet different people and I also participated in the society at the botanical garden which helped me meet really amazing people but if someone else had to ask me to do their studies here, I would never recommend it,” she added.
Audience members at the discussion on the different experiences of Muslim women on SU campus. PHOTO: Jessica Josephs
When asked about how non-Muslims can make this environment of overwhelming Christianity and conservativeness friendlier, Yacoob responded, “the way in which students approach Muslims on campus needs to change, whether it’s the terrorist jokes – which I find very offensive – or just general respect. Because this town is predominantly Christian, I feel that there is this sort of ignorance and not only to Muslims but to Jewish students as well. People should give more respect to every other faith, not only Christians.”
Schroeder added that when looking at the student experience in Stellenbosch, it is evident that almost all social events are placed around alcohol. “If that can change and they make the events about socialising and not about who can drink the most, then we may have a more inclusive space for Muslim students on this campus.”
Choonara also encouraged all students to attend this kind of events to educate oneself on Islam, “in educating yourself you build the baseline level of respect for different cultures and faiths.”
The event was not only attended by Muslim women, but also by men and individuals of other faiths.