Call to provide self-defence classes for Muslim women to cope with racism
Muslim women in Scotland should be offered government-funded self-defence classes after a report found that more than two thirds had experienced or witnessed hate crimes related to Islamaphobia.
In its submission to a Holyrood inquiry into Islamaphobia, the Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS) said there was a demand from women for “positive initiatives such as self-defence classes” and the Scottish Government should consider allocating funding to them to learn how to protect themselves.
The MCS also said a taxi scheme for those scared to take public transport at night should be considered, as racism on buses was “much overlooked” and women were “often the victims”.
According to the submission’s author, Zara Mohammed, Islamaphobia prevents
Muslims “from full participation in society” with women being “the most susceptible to harm as they are often visibly Muslim”.
“Self-defenceisseenassomething which can help women generally feel more confident and safe. We are not making a demand but it is something which should be considered to support women for their own personal safety when walking home, because Muslims are marked out as ‘other’.
“You can’t always assess danger so equipping women with some skills is a step in the right direction.”
“Of course women should not have to feel they need to take self-defence classes but we know that Muslim women are more visible and therefore more vulnerable.
“These things are political and there are resource issues but it’s up to decision-makers to support Muslim women because the risk is there and the fear is there.”
Ms Mohammed said some of the abuse experienced could be linked to their portrayal in media and entertainment as being oppressed and subjugated, while the “derisory and provocative” language of some politicians has been linked to a spike in attacks.
She added: “More has to be done to protect Muslim women; guidance on keeping safe as well as better support on reporting hate crime and removing barriers to reporting. Unfortunately public transport is a place where you can be easily attacked.
“Strathclyde University has an effective scheme with Glasgow taxis where students can use their student card to pay for a cab in the event they are in need of a safe ride home.
“They can later pay this fee to the Students Union.
“A similar scheme could be set up for Muslim women who may be fearful of taking public transport home alone at night.”
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