In the recent past, there has been quite some heated debate about women wearing burkini. With this in mind, Dubai-based beauty and fashion icon Wafa Yahya has decided to shed some light on this recent controversy on banning the popular swimwear (burkini) in some parts of the world.

Wafa’s sentiments come after the seaside city of Cannes, France, made a controversial decision to ban women from wearing a burkini, or full-body swimsuits. This led to a major debate/disagreement worldwide. Concerned groups such as Muslim women and Hijabi style advocates do not agree with this new law.

This is why Wafa has decided to voice her opinion on being against forcing people to wear a certain kind of clothing. “Whether a person wants to cover more or less is a personal issue. At the end of the day, we are all different and these differences should be respected by everyone and guaranteed by law,” she says. “The recent move of banning women from wearing burkini is supposed to protect women, but the ordinance ignores the fact that wearing a burkini ― just like wearing any other type of clothes ― is a personal choice and a means of expressing individual style.”

Defying the burkini myth

As a Dubai-based Hijabi beauty and fashion icon, Wafa understands the value of freedom on choosing personal style and respect of cultures. So in defense of the burkini; Wafa shares with us four reasons for defying the burkini myth and breaking the stereotypes.

Dubai-based beauty and fashion icon Wafa Yahya

Celebration of Freedom

I want to debunk the myth that women do not have a freedom to choose what to wear whether on the beach or work. It is not true. Women can wear whatever they want and this is all a personal choice. Though some are falling over themselves to restrict freedom of dress, it is time for you to celebrate the meaning of true democracy. Go and buy one of the many choices available. Remind the world that equality is also about diversity.

Diversity Makes us all Unique

It doesn’t matter if wearing either a burkini or a two piece swimwear is a reflection of our personal taste, culture, religious views, ethnicity or race. Recognizing and valuing the many differences that make us who we are is vital to our culture and values. Our diversity also encompasses many differences that are not so easily seen. And accepting the different assortments in one society reflects tolerance and that is what makes it unique.

The Burkini is Fashionable!

The burkini market has boomed in recent years, giving many Muslim fashion designers new ways to experiment with design. Many fashion houses started having a burkini line meant to keep the body covered for spiritual or health reasons ‘without compromising on style’. Just like any other popular fashion apparel, burkini is simply a variation of a swimwear. Men are allowed to wear scuba suits on the beach or pool (either for style purposes or health reasons) and that is totally fine. So why should women not wear a burkini?

Ordering Women What to Wear is a Violation of Human Rights

Liberty and justice means giving people the right to choose what to wear. It is also similar to giving them the right to choose what to eat, where to live, and what to study. So it is not morally acceptable to obligate people on what choices they make for their lives including clothing. The right to clothing is an aspect of the right to an adequate standard of living. As such, it is regarded as something that needs to be ensured to all humans.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is another beautiful voice added to the big burkini debate. What do you think of the burkini? And how would you contribute to the big ban that the beautiful city of Cannes has put on this piece of fashion? Sound off in the comments.

xoxo