As we begin the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, it is deeply disappointing to once again witness Senator Pauline Hanson using her platform to mock, belittle, and politicise the choices of Muslim women in Australia.
Her decision, for a second time, to wear a burqa into Parliament is not new, not clever, and not harmless. It is a repetition of the same pattern we have seen for decades: a pattern of targeting women whose lives, faith, and identities she does not understand.
As an elder Muslim woman, and on behalf of Muslim Women Australia (MWA), Senator Hanson’s repeated attempts to ridicule our attire do not reflect the Australia we live in, nor the values Australian women uphold. Muslim women choose to wear the hijab or burqa for many personal, spiritual, cultural, and informed reasons. These choices are ours, made with conviction, dignity, and agency. To reduce our identities to props or political theatre is not only disrespectful, but feeds the very attitudes that enable discrimination, harassment, and gendered violence.
Today, however, I do not want to respond through media spectacles that amplify the very behaviour we seek to challenge. Senator Hanson has built a career on provoking outrage for attention. We will not give her that today. Instead, we refocus the national conversation where it belongs: On ending violence against women.
On the right of every woman, Muslim, Indigenous, migrant, refugee, rural, disabled, to live free from harm, racism, and misogyny. On building safety, equality, and respect across all communities.
While Senator Hanson chooses to attack women’s choices, Muslim women across Australia continue to contribute to the social, economic, cultural, and civic life of this country with strength, compassion, and integrity. Our priorities are not political theatrics, they are the wellbeing of families, the safety of our children, and the future of an inclusive Australia.
To all women: Your choices are valid. Your dignity is non-negotiable. Your voice matters.
We invite all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to join us in meaningful action during these 16 Days. Let us move beyond the distractions and turn our energy toward what truly matters, and that is ending violence, fostering respect, and strengthening the human rights of all women.
With justice, peace and solidarity,
Hajeh Maha Krayem Abdo OAM
Chief Executive Officer
