Woman behind the black mask

For those of you looking at me, I am not depressed.

Neither am I oppressed just because you cannot see my curves or my chest. 
Does that mean I do not have femininity to suggest?

For those of you who look at me in utter detest...

I do not care if you are not impressed.

Believe it or not, this is my choice and under this garment, I do have a voice.

Standing before you, respect is all I demand.

And understand this is something I planned although you are right,

I am under a command… but please do not lower it to that of a man!

Western women I hear you… you have your sympathies...

But I urge and ask you, please do not pity me...

For I believe it is my obligation to show you through mere application...

That I know what it means to be free!

Because I have said no to ‘baby come here’...

'Miss World’… ‘Miss Universe’… 'Miss Thang of the year’...

We are quick to judge what we do not understand in a label-filled world.

I will not be part of a brand...

Those who are of rotten minds call it freedom of the female species yet…

They exploit women whenever and wherever they please...

You will never see me in a swimming suit and then for a camera to pose.

No, no, no.

I am the girl in the hijab, more beautiful than a rose...

Don’t be shocked by my confidence or did you prejudge that too?

I am a woman and I feel just as entitled as you do...

So next time you see me on the bus or on the street,

Don’t be afraid to ask...

Any questions to the woman you assume to be behind a black mask...

Miseducation is not needed in mankind.

Let’s get rid of it and choose to live in sight than rather be blind.

And remember, like I said...believe it or not, this is my choice and under this garment, I do have a voice!

This powerful poem was written by Habiba Ali, a 30-year-old Muslim woman of Somali and Canadian heritage. She is a social service worker by trade but considers herself an advocacy artist, using poetry, plays, skits and cultural pieces to share distinct messages about life and circumstance. She is also the proud mother of three beautiful girls and has lived in Canada the past 25 years. Originally arriving with her family on holiday, they decided to stay after civil war broke out in their homeland.

Habiba refuses to live a life defined by stereotypes. “Or let stereotypes define how I see others,” Habiba adds.