Ethiopian female students protest against hijab ban in schools

The city of Axum in Ethiopia’s Tigray region witnessed protests organized by Muslim female students in response to a decision prohibiting the wearing of hijabs in certain educational institutions, media outlets said, adding that the protesters emphasized that the ban violates their religious freedoms and contradicts their commitment to Islamic teachings.

The students expressed frustration with the policy, questioning why they were being targeted as Muslims in a city considered a significant center for Muslims in Ethiopia, while followers of other religions face no similar restrictions.

Local reports indicated that some teachers barred hijab-wearing students from attending classes, raising widespread concerns within the Muslim community. These protests come amid growing calls for respecting the rights of Muslim female students and ensuring their religious freedoms in public schools.

It is worth noting that Axum is home to numerous mosques and educational institutions and is considered a symbol of religious coexistence in Ethiopia. However, recent policies have sparked fears of increasing discrimination against Muslims in the region.