Scotland’s First Family of Hijab Wearing Officers

In the month of June of 2016, police Scotland announced that it was incorporating the hijab as part of the police uniform to accommodate women from the Muslim community who shun the job. That seems to be yielding results as a Muslim woman, Shafqat Rafi and her daughter, Aleena Rafi have gotten to the final stages of becoming police officers. Shafqat, 50, said, “Sometimes people just see the hijab and not what is underneath. Our religion teaches us to help each other, Islam means peace.” Her daughter, Aleena, 19, in a joyful mood said, “People have stereotypes about people from ethnic minorities wearing a hijab - that they are oppressed or forced to wear it. People will see we can do anything - it doesn’t make us any less able.” Police Scotland justified its move last year saying minority groups in the country are poorly represented in the force; hence the need to make adjustments that will encourage minorities (especially Muslims) to join. A department in the force call Positive Action Team which is run by Chief Inspector Ann Bell has been established to help entice people from minority backgrounds. The Chief Inspector said, “Whenever we mention the introduction of the hijab at events in the community there’s a round of applause - it has been really really well received”.