Mahinur ozdemir biography for kids

Mahinur Ozdemir is a young Belgian Parliamentarian of Turkish heritage who fought incredible opposition to become the only member of any European parliament to wear the hijab. She also observes her five prayers, speaks five languages and has achieved an impeccable academic record. Today Mihnur is more popular than ever and has been an inspiration to a whole generation of Muslim women across the western hemisphere to wear the hijab and to also seek an education.

Ozdemir has defined the absence of an Islamic culture containing European elements as one of the main causes triggering xenophobia and Islamophobia, especially against the Muslim minority living in Europe, and has urged European Muslims to embrace the societies where they live which she thinks will accelerate the integration of Muslim immigrants in Europe.

This is all from a girl from an immigrant family who dared to dream, who valued and excelled in her education, who is proud of her faith and who views the hijab as a symbol of liberation and not oppression. Mahinur is not in parliament to exclusively serve any minority group but seeks to serve all Belgians. In Australia there are a number of Muslim parliamentarians in different states including one Muslim member of the Federal parliament.

Like Mahinur they all serve all Australians and all are a voice of tolerance and reason. Despite the fear mongering the election of Muslims to parliaments across Europe, Australia, Canada and the US Congress has not led to upheaval or rebellion. Instead it as a remarkable example of integration by Muslims and acceptance by the societies in which they live.

In this spirit in almost all 57 countries in the Muslim world once can also find many non Muslims represented in their respective parliaments. I am an optimist with tremendous faith in the triumph of the human spirit and this will not be hijacked by those who seek to bring violence and discord regardless of who they are.

I leave you with one of her quotes. I would like to point out that with or without Hijab, my view of the problems in this country and finding solutions to them and helping others will be the same.

Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş (born 7 November

I cover my hair, but not my ideas, and the Islamic headscarf will in no way be an obstacle to my political activity. It should not be a controversial issue and I would advise those criticizing the Hijab to do away with the injustice that obscures their vision. Efficiency alone is what matters, not the Hijab!