For some Muslim women, choosing to stop wearing the hijab, or headscarf, can be a difficult decision to make.<\/p>\n
They may face a backlash from their family or be shunned by their community. And in some countries, laws add to this pressure.<\/p>\n
Iran’s parliament has just passed a controversial bill that would significantly increase prison terms and fines for women and girls who break its strict dress code.<\/p>\n
The bill – which needs the approval of constitutional watchdog the Guardian Council to become law – follows widespread protests at which women have taken to the streets and removed their hijabs.<\/p>\n
They were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody a year ago. She had been arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely.<\/p>\n
For many of the approximately one billion Muslim women around the world, it is their choice to wear the hijab.<\/p>\n
But for those who wish to take off their veil, it can take years to overcome the pressure and make that decision.<\/p>\n