Biography 296: For the first time, I felt free

 I have heard many negative thoughts about the Burqa (A long, loose garment covering the whole body from head to feet, worn in public by many Muslim women). Most of them had thoughts that it felt too warm, difficult to breathe, had trouble seeing, and struggled to walk, among other issues. All comments came from those who never wear it.

After getting the Burqa from the tailor, I have started wearing it, and I love it. Let me explain why...

- My Burqa was made with light weighted dark colored cloth. It never felt heavy.

- In warm weather, it actually protects me from direct sunlight, and I feel better.

- In winter, it blocks the wind, which would make me feel cold.

- After wearing a Burqa, I suddenly felt invisible. I can see everyone, and nobody can see me. This was the best part of wearing a Burqa. Now I can walk, go out, do shopping or anything, nobody (men) looks at my body with a dirty impression, no one says physically intimidating words, no disturbance at all. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of freedom. Now I can be like a human without worrying about men's bad intentions.

- I could get ready to go out within 1 minute; usually, I took 1 hour. Because no matter what I am wearing at home, I could just add the gown/Burqa to it and go out.

- No need to put on makeup or make my hair, no need to buy new dresses or jewelry. I know, many girls won't like it. But I felt truly free from thinking of those things. It saved my time and money.

- As I was wearing a Burqa over my dress, outside my home, it helped keep my dress clean, so I didn't have to wash more clothes. I just regularly clean (1 gown) my Burqa. As it was made of lightweight cloth, it would dry very quickly.

The only problem was that people don't like the Burqa. Worldwide, there is a common misconception that the Burqa is a symbol of oppression. Every woman should have the freedom to wear dresses as they likes. If they prefer to cover up, no one should bother them; if they keep their body open, people shouldn't disturb them. Let women decide what they want to wear. People can feel free to wear their own clothes.