Freedom for Afghan women but not for French Muslim women

French President Emmanuel Macron’s attempt to speak out for Afghan women has been branded hypocritical online given the country’s treatment of its own Muslim women.

In a televised speech earlier this week, Emmanuel Macron said “Afghan women have the right to live in freedom and dignity”.

The austere and extreme interpretation of Islam by the Taliban has resulted in it often forcing women to wear the hijab and full veil.

However, some people have argued that France has its own policy against Muslim women, especially those who choose to wear the veil, which in turn diminishes its voice in denouncing the practices of the Taliban.

“This place where women are ordered to wear and if they don’t comply, they cannot study or work and can even be arrested… is called France,” one user said in a comment widely shared in line.

Another Internet user also reacted to the double standard perceived in France’s concern for Afghan women. “The West is worried about the dress of women in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Macron and France can force Muslim women not to choose to wear longer skirts or headwear. “

France has banned young girls from wearing headscarves in schools since 2005. There have also been attempts to ban women wearing headscarves in France from attending school trips with their children.

“Muslim women do not even have the right to live in peace and dignity in France. #Macron should be the last person to lecture #Afghanistan on women’s rights, “said an Internet user after the French president’s remarks on Afghan women.

While the treatment of women by the Taliban in the past still does not compare to the ability of many Muslims to study and work in France, discrimination in the country has resulted in many women being excluded from opportunities.

Recently, the EU’s highest court ruled that Muslim women can be fired from their jobs for refusing to take off the headscarf. In addition, the court ruled that companies can ban the wearing of headscarves if it protects the image of the company.

France has also banned the wearing of the full veil for Muslim women in public spaces who consider it part of their religious belief. Muslim women in France can face fines and even jail if they choose to wear the veil in public.

Source: TRT World