Watch Veiled Voices

Veiled Voices is a 2009 documentary film directed by Brigid Maher that tells the story of three Muslim women who are breaking the silence and becoming religious leaders in the Muslim world. The film is a powerful exploration of the social and cultural obstacles that these women face as they strive to be recognized and respected in their communities.

The film begins with a powerful opening sequence in which we see several Muslim women walking in the streets, covered from head to toe in traditional Islamic dress. The women are carrying signs that read “Women in Islam” and “We are Not Oppressed”. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is about women who are breaking down stereotypes and challenging the status quo in order to gain recognition and equality.

The three women that the film follows are Huda al-Habash, a Syrian founder of a Qur’anic school; Ghina Hammoud, a Lebanese journalist and TV presenter; and Dr. Su’ad Saleh, a Jordanian professor of Islamic studies. Each woman is unique in her own way, but all share a deep commitment to education and to empowering women within their communities.

Huda al-Habash is an inspiring figure, a single mother of six who founded a Qur’anic school for girls in Damascus, Syria. Huda’s school is unique in that it teaches only women and is considered one of the most prestigious in the country. However, Huda and her school face many challenges, including opposition from conservative groups who believe that women should not be allowed to lead or teach.

Ghina Hammoud is a journalist and TV presenter in Lebanon, where she hosts a popular talk show that focuses on women’s issues. Ghina is known for her fiery personality and her willingness to challenge conservative values and traditions. She is also a believer in the power of media to change attitudes and promote change.

Dr. Su’ad Saleh is a Jordanian professor of Islamic studies who has spent her life teaching and writing about the role of women in Islam. She is a leading voice in the feminist movement within Islam, and her work has been influential in encouraging women to become more active in their communities and to demand equality.

Throughout the film, we see these three women, along with many other Muslim women, challenging the traditional gender roles and stereotypes that have held them back for so long. They are fighting for recognition and visibility within their communities, and they are doing so through education, media, and activism.

The film also explores the broader context of Islam and women’s rights. We see the women grappling with the contradictions and complexities of their religion, which often presents a challenging mix of traditional values and modern aspirations. We also see the women struggling with the way that Islam is portrayed in Western media, which often reinforces negative stereotypes and ignores the diverse and complex reality of Muslim women’s lives.

The film is well-made and engaging, with beautiful cinematography and an engaging score. It is also deeply moving, as we see the struggles and triumphs of these women as they fight for a more just and equal world.

Overall, Veiled Voices is a powerful and important film that sheds light on the struggles of Muslim women as they work to break down barriers and gain the recognition they deserve. It is an inspiring reminder that change is possible, even in the face of daunting obstacles.

Veiled Voices is a documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.