Before I moved here, I thought as many American women do, that for most Muslim women wearing a veil must be something dreadful and oppressive and restrictive. I especially wondered how women would be able to keep wearing their long dresses, headscarves and enormous veils during the intense summer heat. Yet they do and they don’t seem to mind too much. I’ve asked some friends why they cover so thoroughly during even the hottest months and here are some of the responses I’ve gotten: “Because it is fitting for a Muslim woman.” “Because the Qur’an says we must be covered.” “Because I respect myself and I want men to respect me too.” “Because I’m a little shy and don’t want to show off.” “Because it is our culture.” “Because modesty is a woman’s glory.” “Because it’s beautiful!”
Normally, I wear long skirts with a longer sleeved shirt and a scarf tied around my head—modest but not completely Djiboutian. But since it’s been getting warmer and since I’ve moved to a more conservative neighborhood, I decided to start dressing more the way local women dress—big cotton dress with a thick underskirt, scarf tied around my head with a huge colorful veil which envelopes me from head to waist. And I’ve discovered something I would not have ever imagined: I actually somewhat enjoy wearing a veil here and now when I go outside, I almost feel naked without one. I have also discovered some practical uses for veils:
1. Protection from the sun. A veil protects your neck, arms, and face if you pull it down low enough.
2. A ready-to-go shield from the blowing sand. When a blast of desert wind or a cloud of exhaust from a truck comes my way, I just slide my veil over my face and have no worries about getting dust or smoke in my eyes.
3. Hides as well as absorbs some of the copious amounts of sweat I have experienced.
4. Anonymity—if I walk slowly and sway a bit like local women do, from the back people can’t tell if I’m Djiboutian or not.
5. Bird poop shield. No kidding. The other day, I bird pooped right on the side of my head and left shoulder. Fortunately, the veil was there to keep me dry and poop-free.
6. On cooler winter nights, it doubles as both a thin blanket and a mosquito net.
7. Apron/pot holder for cooking and bib for eating.
8. When no one sees your hair, you never have a bad hair day.
9. Carries loads well. I have seen women tie everything from babies to bundles of wood on their backs using their veils.
10. The next best thing to stamping “Men, please do not disturb” or “Hey, I’m not that kind of girl!” on my forehead.
11. Excellent prop for playing peek-a-boo with children.
12. Interesting conversation starter. Strangers do everything from pepper me with questions, compliment my clothes, tell me how beautiful I look, invite me to visit their families, laugh at me, stare at me with looks of bewilderment, and greet me in Arabic.
From what I have gleaned from local friends, in my new culture’s eyes wearing a veil is the secret to beauty, mystery, modesty, honor, respectability and power. If putting on one article of clothing can do all these wonders, then I will happily leave the jeans and t-shirt in the closet.
