The French parliament has banned the face covering veil. My question is why not also ban the use of make up? I ask simply because I fail to appreciate the merits of the argument. Frankly, I think to believe that women are oppressed when they follow their traditions is not a determination that can be made based on perceptions that are possibly driven by fear or lack of understanding on the true symbolism of why the tradition exists.

A few years ago, I was told a story of a very influential Mosotho woman who was for banning ‘thapo’ (black attire worn for months to symbolise that a woman is mourning for her husband). As the story goes, when the said woman lost her husband, she insisted on wearing thapo! Why? Well because she recognised its symbolism! So what is the moral of this story? If you haven’t walked in the shoes, don’t be presumptuous….

Hence, in this case, I think it is not for non-Muslims to determine whether a face veil should or shouldn’t be worn by those who choose to. Further, if truly we feel women should be comfortable in showing off their pretty faces, then we should ban make up… (and risk the collapse of the ever growing beauty industry).

Just so it is clear, even though I am suggesting that make up should be banned, I am all for its use! I am making the suggestion merely to point out that many women on a daily basis have their faces covered up with either make up or veil. Hence, the French should ban them both or allow them both!