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Original poster

Let Women Speak Free Your Face Event

216 replies

IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 01:12

We will all walk to Speakers' Corner at 2.00 and read out the testimonies of women who speak about the niqab. I have something visual planned so we can elevate the voices of women who exist in a fabric prison, often, of their familys construction.

On the day I will hand out copies of testimonies for women to read at the heart of Speakers' Corner. We need as many women as possible to attend. This is your chance to show you care.

From https://www.letwomenspeak.org/event-details/let-women-speak-london-free-your-face-2025-06-29-13-00

Had not heard about this, but now there are a number of responses to the event such as this one:

In Keen’s , Muslim women are portrayed as passive, voiceless, and trapped by family, culture, and male insecurity. The veil is a “fabric prison,” and the women behind it are posited as unable to speak, act, or even “feel sunlight on their skin” without male permission. Their desires, commitments, and beliefs are never considered on their own terms. Instead, they are rendered legible through the eyes, imagination and political desire of Kellie-Jay.

The few “testimonies” —attributed to women in the Middle East—were anonymous, unverified, and clearly cherry-picked. It’s hard to believe that Keen’s public pronouncements on “Islamism” elicit nothing but thank-yous and confessions of helplessness. Of course, as an activist and propagandist, she’s under no obligation to include
counterarguments or opposing views.These testimonies function as a moral shield, allowing Keen and Let Women Speak to deflect critique with the familiar refrain: “These aren’t my words…” Indeed, her X/Twitter feed is awash with anonymized grateful wards, caged in fabric. These women are cast as mute victims—unable to interpret or change their own lives—and, by implication, grateful and dependent on these liberated English roses to speak for them.

https://morbidsymptom.substack.com/p/veilface?

DM coverage https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14858363/Moment-womens-rights-campaigners-Niqab-veil-free-face-London-protest.html

(Sorry if there is a thread about this already but couldn't find anything. If there is one please post link. Thanks.)

Veilface

Enjoy Orientalism! Disavow Genocide!

https://morbidsymptom.substack.com/p/veilface

OP posts:
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Original poster
IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 18:47

I actually haven't read the long article critiquing the event, but for myself I very much doubt that a LWS event focusing on this issue (which is symbolic of a large social, religious structure) will help the women who are being compelled to dress and behave in a manner approved by men.

And I dont have any particular responses either way to the use of the phrase "white saviour" but do believe that we need to work on ways to empower women so that they can themselves find a way of rejecting the male structures and individuals that are oppressing them.

But time will tell, whether the event was, as most LWS events are, a positive experience for those who are there, as opposed to creating a way that women can be supported or feel able to challenge themselves.

ie after yesterday when I saw a flurry of posts on FB about this, have not seen any follow up.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 18:34

Muslim Women's Network Helpline is a national specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline that is confidential and non-judgmental, which offers information, support, guidance and referrals for those who are suffering from or at risk of abuse or facing problems on a range of issues.

Although our reach is primarily Muslim women, the helpline will accept calls from and support women of any faith or no faith. For example, the culturally sensitive nature of the helpline could easily support Asian women of other faiths. Men who are concerned about women and girls should also call the helpline. If men and boys need support, for example, at risk of forced marriage, then they should also call the helpline.

https://www.mwnuk.co.uk/mwn-helpline

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 18:33

Recent submission to the WEC
https://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/05/nss-warns-religious-charities-spreading-online-misogyny

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 18:32

The One Law for All Group has been running for some years https://onelawforall.org.uk/ and suspect that at one time or another most of us will have heard of Maryam Namazie

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 18:28

There are some women support groups listed here, but it maybe the name of the group itself would alienate some women wanting support ie they dont consider themselves Ex Muslims
https://ex-muslim.org.uk/all-events/

OP posts:
ArabellaScott · 07/07/2025 18:16

Women in Iran are not allowed to ride bicycles, either.

https://www.mystealthyfreedom.org/cycling-unveiled-against-patriarchy-in-iran/

Ereshkigalangcleg · 07/07/2025 18:07

Thanks for posting these links to campaigns @ArabellaScott

ArabellaScott · 07/07/2025 17:41

ArabellaScott · 07/07/2025 09:32

Is anyone effectively helping women who are "being pressured in relation to Islamic dress", in this country or in countries such as Afghanistan?

I don't know of any organisations involved in this. It is quite specific.

The Amina organisation in Glasgow does great work, including specifically on 'taboo' topics.

https://mwrc.org.uk/vawg/vawg-campaigns/

Goodness me, my memory gets worse and worse.

Of course, there is 'My Stealthy Freedom', campaigning for women in Iraq. Very brave women. Just realised I'd forgotten about it.

www.mystealthyfreedom.org/

Maryslion · 07/07/2025 16:56

Ramblingnamechanger · 07/07/2025 08:54

If the niqab is so great why aren’t men wearing them? I can understand why women do not want visibility in front of the men in their communities . Some are virtue signalling their faith to others. Some will free themselves when in women’s company. The problem as always is men, and we are allowed to be critical of their oppressive religions and ideas.

If the niqab is so great why aren’t men wearing them?

Because women are required to cover to stop Muslim men from going to hell. Adultery and fornication lead to hell in Islamic teaching, so the job of women is to not sexually arouse men.

Men don't cover (there is hijabi clothing for men but its much more practical and much less restrictive) because female sexual desire and agency does not seem to have occurred as a concept to Islamic thinkers. And covering up would have been hot and a fag, so the men wouldn't want to do that.

I know a lot of educated UK Muslim women, including ( perhaps especially) reverts, have reframed the niqab as a spiritual exercise that brings them closer to God, but that isn't the origin of it.

There is a popular young Muslim couple who make you tube videos etc. The women styles herself as quirky and in charge, but her videos are all about the obstacles her clothing and niqab bring to her life, but not her omnipresent husband's. I don't understand how she can't see that this is the takeaway from her videos.

The inequality in Islam is so clearly expressed in the clothing. When you see cool men and sweltering women. When you see men enjoying the simple pleasure of sun and breeze on skin and women not. When you see women who have made themselves a blank wall to the world by covering their faces, whilst men have not. Women are asked to make this ' choice' but men are not, and that is where the inequality and objection to this clothing lies.

Ereshkigalangcleg · 07/07/2025 16:52

POWNewcastleEastWallsend · 07/07/2025 16:06

Now we will all be waiting for a chance to reply to Chris saying, "I ain't gettin' on no plane!"

😂

Show quote history

🤣

POWNewcastleEastWallsend · 07/07/2025 16:11

longbag · 07/07/2025 16:03

"Islamophobic" is just a word used to try to silence any criticism of Islam.

One should pay no heed to any accusations of "Islamophobia" for this reason.

Let's not pretend that all religions are equal in their stance towards women and girls. Islam is particularly misogynistic, both as written and in practice.

Time for a blast of Christopher Hitchens from 2009:

Christopher Hitchens on Islam and Freedom of Speech

myplace · 07/07/2025 16:09

That music. Really takes me back. Life was simpler then… 🤣

myplace · 07/07/2025 16:07

I’m happy to say that I don’t want the UK to be a place where women are coerced into wearing modest clothing.

POWNewcastleEastWallsend · 07/07/2025 16:06

AmaryllisNightAndDay · 07/07/2025 16:02

Och, Bee, you're too young to know the A-Team. I'm not, and JKR isn't. Google could tell you:

The A-Team is known for its memorable quotes, often delivered by Hannibal Smith and B.A. Baracus. Some of the most popular include "I love it when a plan comes together," "I ain't gettin' on no plane!", and "I pity the fool!"

And plenty of cigar moments:

Nothing to do with any of the people you mentioned.

Now we will all be waiting for a chance to reply to Chris saying, "I ain't gettin' on no plane!"

😂

longbag · 07/07/2025 16:03

"Islamophobic" is just a word used to try to silence any criticism of Islam.

One should pay no heed to any accusations of "Islamophobia" for this reason.

Let's not pretend that all religions are equal in their stance towards women and girls. Islam is particularly misogynistic, both as written and in practice.

AmaryllisNightAndDay · 07/07/2025 16:02

Och, Bee, you're too young to know the A-Team. I'm not, and JKR isn't. Google could tell you:

The A-Team is known for its memorable quotes, often delivered by Hannibal Smith and B.A. Baracus. Some of the most popular include "I love it when a plan comes together," "I ain't gettin' on no plane!", and "I pity the fool!"

And plenty of cigar moments:

Nothing to do with any of the people you mentioned.

Bannedontherun · 07/07/2025 16:00

I think it is an excellent way to open up an honest discussion about women who may be forced, one way or another, to cover themselves up in such a way. Here and abroad.

I am not a fan of trying to ban what women of certain groups are wearing as part of a cultural/religious expression, but KJK is not saying that.

Smart move on her part.

miraxxx · 07/07/2025 15:57

BeeSouriante · 07/07/2025 15:36

75 white people..erm..of an age looking utterly ridiculous and lead by a far right troll.

Seeing those pictures, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. It reminds me of that GC guy who stalks trans ppl IRL (Mr Menno?) ran around in an all in one black outfit or when JKR did that picture with a cigar and everyone IDed her as doing an impression of Andrew Tate (or for the older people, Jimmy Saville).

Perhaps if I hadn't had to deal with 'GCs' for a decade, I would just say that it's hapless people being cringe whilst their hearts are in the right place, but KJK has so many connections with white nats and far right, it will never be so 'harmless'

Show quote history

I personally know women who were beaten and forced to wear the hijab by their families. They were all minorities living in secular non muslim countries.

POWNewcastleEastWallsend · 07/07/2025 15:50

spannasaurus · 07/07/2025 15:46

I pity the fool that doesn't recognise that JKR was channeling Hannibal Smith in her cigar picture

Funny how the first images that sprang into life in Chris's mind were of a paedophile and a rank misogynist.

AstonScrapingsNameChange · 07/07/2025 15:49

BeeSouriante · 07/07/2025 15:36

75 white people..erm..of an age looking utterly ridiculous and lead by a far right troll.

Seeing those pictures, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. It reminds me of that GC guy who stalks trans ppl IRL (Mr Menno?) ran around in an all in one black outfit or when JKR did that picture with a cigar and everyone IDed her as doing an impression of Andrew Tate (or for the older people, Jimmy Saville).

Perhaps if I hadn't had to deal with 'GCs' for a decade, I would just say that it's hapless people being cringe whilst their hearts are in the right place, but KJK has so many connections with white nats and far right, it will never be so 'harmless'

Show quote history

'Of an age'

Good grief you're not even attempting to hide your ageism are you?

What particular point are you trying to make?

That once we reach a certain age we no longer count?

Your mother must be so proud 🙄

miraxxx · 07/07/2025 15:49

POWNewcastleEastWallsend · 07/07/2025 15:13

What an appalling faux pas!

Shame on the woman who doesn't know her niqab from her burka from her hijab from her abaya from her jilbab from her khimar from her dupatta from her chador from her wimple!

🙄

Show quote history

Amazing isnt it? Strident "feminist" types will scold you for being racist for such a lack of knowledge.

spannasaurus · 07/07/2025 15:46

I pity the fool that doesn't recognise that JKR was channeling Hannibal Smith in her cigar picture

miraxxx · 07/07/2025 15:44

Screamingabdabz · 07/07/2025 08:35

This is long overdue. It’s misogynistic oppression in plain sight. People make a big deal about ‘what women choose to wear’ but it’s a garment that is culturally loaded by patriarchal, violent and erroneous ideas about female sexuality. Not tempting men to sin should be entirely the responsibility of men.

Not just control of sexuality but it has links to slavery. The hijab or modest dress was a dignity offered to muslim free women but not women who were slaves. It was not an islamic innovation of course - it existed in pre-islamic cultures, hence the apologists confidently declaiming "it is all men and all religions"- but really in our current world, it is only Islam that enforces such strong global control of modest dress for women that undoubtedly involves legal coercion and punitive social sanctions. And there is something else, the 20th century, women's movements in the global south were decidedly anti-veil, anti hijab. The now uniquitous hijab only began to be adorned globally from the 1980's onwards as global islamism surged. In many parts of the world, the hijab, outer cloaks, severe black clothing actually replaced traditional muslim dress and ornamentation (example hair jewellery, flower adornment).

BeeSouriante · 07/07/2025 15:36

IwantToRetire · 07/07/2025 01:12

We will all walk to Speakers' Corner at 2.00 and read out the testimonies of women who speak about the niqab. I have something visual planned so we can elevate the voices of women who exist in a fabric prison, often, of their familys construction.

On the day I will hand out copies of testimonies for women to read at the heart of Speakers' Corner. We need as many women as possible to attend. This is your chance to show you care.

From https://www.letwomenspeak.org/event-details/let-women-speak-london-free-your-face-2025-06-29-13-00

Had not heard about this, but now there are a number of responses to the event such as this one:

In Keen’s , Muslim women are portrayed as passive, voiceless, and trapped by family, culture, and male insecurity. The veil is a “fabric prison,” and the women behind it are posited as unable to speak, act, or even “feel sunlight on their skin” without male permission. Their desires, commitments, and beliefs are never considered on their own terms. Instead, they are rendered legible through the eyes, imagination and political desire of Kellie-Jay.

The few “testimonies” —attributed to women in the Middle East—were anonymous, unverified, and clearly cherry-picked. It’s hard to believe that Keen’s public pronouncements on “Islamism” elicit nothing but thank-yous and confessions of helplessness. Of course, as an activist and propagandist, she’s under no obligation to include
counterarguments or opposing views.These testimonies function as a moral shield, allowing Keen and Let Women Speak to deflect critique with the familiar refrain: “These aren’t my words…” Indeed, her X/Twitter feed is awash with anonymized grateful wards, caged in fabric. These women are cast as mute victims—unable to interpret or change their own lives—and, by implication, grateful and dependent on these liberated English roses to speak for them.

https://morbidsymptom.substack.com/p/veilface?

DM coverage https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14858363/Moment-womens-rights-campaigners-Niqab-veil-free-face-London-protest.html

(Sorry if there is a thread about this already but couldn't find anything. If there is one please post link. Thanks.)

75 white people..erm..of an age looking utterly ridiculous and lead by a far right troll.

Seeing those pictures, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. It reminds me of that GC guy who stalks trans ppl IRL (Mr Menno?) ran around in an all in one black outfit or when JKR did that picture with a cigar and everyone IDed her as doing an impression of Andrew Tate (or for the older people, Jimmy Saville).

Perhaps if I hadn't had to deal with 'GCs' for a decade, I would just say that it's hapless people being cringe whilst their hearts are in the right place, but KJK has so many connections with white nats and far right, it will never be so 'harmless'

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