Abstract
This research delves into the experiences, motivations, and challenges of Muslim women in the Philippines who wear the niqab. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study focuses on the perspectives of ten professional Muslim women from the Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug communities. The results reveal that wearing the niqab is a deeply personal and spiritual choice, closely tied to religious commitment, cultural identity, and individual preference. However, niqab-wearing Muslim women often face significant social prejudice, workplace discrimination, and exclusion, particularly in multicultural settings. Despite these challenges, they have shown resilience and regard the niqab as a powerful symbol of their faith. This study contributes to the existing literature on religious identification, gender, and social inclusion by shedding light on the Philippine context, an area often underrepresented in global discourses on veiling and Islamophobia. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing how religious expression shapes the social and professional experiences of Muslim women, particularly in pluralistic societies. The findings underscore the need for increased social awareness, greater acceptance, and the promotion of religious diversity. Practically, the study calls for inclusive policies in workplaces and educational institutions, as well as culturally sensitive community programs that affirm the dignity and rights of Muslim women who wear the niqab. Future research may explore the role of the niqab in leadership, mobility, and digital spaces to gain deeper insights into the sociological transformations it influences in modern society.
