Veiled Muslim women' s rights to employment and free from discrimination : Why veiled Muslim women shall be protected from abusive general ban

Abstract: The practice of wearing hijab has been around for hundreds of years and around the world by Muslim women. It has been revealed that the decision to wear hijab is varied among Muslim women ranging from religious convictions to the consideration of the attire as a tool for empowerment. This paper, which utilizes a normative method with an argumentative structure, will defend the right of veiled Muslim women to employment and free from discrimination, and aims to clarify why the general ban on religious sign, specifically on hijab in this regard, not conforming to the basic principles of human rights . The argumentation will include a discussion and critiques regarding the two core principles in favor of banning hijab in the field of employment and comes to the conclusion that they appear to be built on weak grounds. Furthermore, some relevant conflicting principles regarding the hijab issue within the field of employment will be discussed. The conclusion maintains that veiled Muslim women shall not be pushed into the corner of the society by the two dominant discourses which are now included in the written legislations within the European laws and national laws. The paper concludes by stating that veiled Muslim women shall be accommodated to work and contribute to the European mainstream employment just like females from other groups.