29 May 2012

The Muslim Women Organisation (MWO) in Malawi has asked President Joyce Banda to ensure her government allows Muslim women to wear an Islamic headscarf in public offices.

In a meeting with President Banda at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, MWO National Chairlady Fatima Ndaila (pictured) said Muslim women should be allowed to wear thr headscarf and there should be no discrimination in offices.

President Banda pledged to give Muslim women support and a rightful role to play in her government.

Recently, Muslim nurses in Malawi were granted the right to take on hijab while on duty and Immigration Department authorities allowed Muslim women to have their passport photos taken with the headscarf.

Islam is the second largest religion in Malawi after Christianity. Official statistics suggest Muslims constitute 12 percent of the country's 12 million people, but the umbrella Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) puts the rate at 36.

Source: Green Muheya, "Muslim women ask Malawi President to allow Hijab in offices" Nyasa Times May 29, 2012