Muslim Women Appointed As First Hijab-Wearing Judge In The United Kingdom

In the history of the United Kingdom, Rafia Arshad, 40, belonging to Leads is the first hijab-wearing women appointed Deputy District Judge on the Midlands circuits. According to her, she had been working for this position for many years.

Pursued Career In Law

During her interview with the UK newspaper, Ms. Arshad told about her dream of becoming a judge since the age of 11. She added that her family members insisted her to not wear the Hijab for the Law college interview as it would affect her chances of excelling in this career but she refused and was determined to wear the headscarf to pursue her profession.

Opportunities For Other Hijabi Women

Ms. Arshad hopes that now there will be more opportunities provided to the Hijabi women in this field as she led the way for various women to succeed in law. She has broken the stereotypes and opens a new pathway for all the Hijabi women that wanted to excel in their profession. She although had faced numerous discrimination throughout the career because of her choice to wear the Hijab. Sometimes the people interpret her as a court worker or a client as there is a prejudicial opinion that professionals do not look like her.  

Rafia Arshad had worked in the Joint Heads of St Mary’s Family Law Chambers for many years and they are proud of her as the appointment had been made entirely on merit. She is a mother of three children and has been practicing law for 17 years. She is an expert in family Islamic laws and an inspiration to all the other Muslim women.