Radio Australia
Young Australian Muslim women are being urged to join the Army Reserve to break down stereotypes and contribute to national security.
Sydney Muslim leader Jamal Rifi says he is running discussion groups on the issue and many women from his community are keen to sign up.
Doctor Rifi says the plan sends a strong message to mainstream Australia."Our community has been under pressure for far too long," he said.
"Female hijab-wearers have been the image of Islam and I would like them to participate in droves in such an initiative to change the image and perception about them and about our young girls.
"The plan has been welcomed by the Australian Defence Force.
A spokeswoman says people from any religion or culture are welcome to join the Army Reserve, as long as they meet the normal entry requirements.
Defence Association executive director Neil James has suggested that if women reservists wear a hijab, it may present a health and safety hazard.
"Obviously if you're out in the field jumping in and out of armoured vehicles and digging holes in the ground and doing all the other things we expect soldiers to do, it would be an obvious problem," he said.
Dr Rifi has countered by saying that women in hijab already play an active role in armies abroad, including those of Indonesia and Iran.
[Radio Australia]
posted by 10 men at 7:24 AM
3 Comments:
Note Dr Rifi has not really addressed the concerns raised -
"Obviously if you're out in the field jumping in and out of armoured vehicles and digging holes in the ground and doing all the other things we expect soldiers to do, it would be an obvious problem," he said.
Perhaps he is under the impression that the Army is some sort of PR organisation.
Maybe it's a way to Westernise the muslim girls into forgeting about sharia, a chance to be patriotic and coming over to the good side and see the real enemy?
Anyway I hope they know what they are doing.
A calculated risk, to be sure. Here's hoping that it pays off!
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