In a development which highlights the diversity in the United Kingdom’s legal system, a 40-year-old Muslim woman has become the first hijab-wearing judge in the country.
Raffia Arshad, a barrister, was appointed a deputy district judge on the Midlands circuit last week after 17-year career in law.
She said her promotion was great news for diversity in the world’s most respected legal system. She hopes to be an inspiration to young Muslims.
Ms Arshad, who grew up in Yorkshire, north England, has wanted to work in law since she was 11.
Ms Arshad said the judicial office was looking to promote diversity, but when they appointed her they did not know that she wore the hijab.
‘It’s definitely bigger than me,” she told Metro newspaper. "I know this is not about me.
"It’s important for all women, not just Muslim women, but it is particularly important for Muslim women."
Ms Arshad, a mother of three, has been practising private law dealing with children, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other cases involving Islamic law for the past 17 years.
She was the first in her family to go to university and has also written a leading text on Islamic family law.
Although the promotion by the Lord Chief Justice was welcome news for her, Ms Arshad said the happiness from other people sharing the news was “far greater”.
“I’ve had so many emails from people, men and women," she said.
"It’s the ones from women that stand out, saying that they wear a hijab and thought they wouldn’t even be able to become a barrister, let alone a judge."
Ms Arshad is regularly the subject of discrimination in the courtroom because of her choice to wear the hijab.
She is sometimes mistaken for a court worker or a client.
Ms Arshad said that recently she was asked by an usher whether she was a client, an interpreter, and even if she were on work experience.
“I have nothing against the usher who said that but it reflects that as a society, even for somebody who works in the courts, there is still this prejudicial view that professionals at the top end don’t look like me,” she said.
A family member once advised her to not wear a hijab at an interview for a scholarship at the Inns of Court School of Law in 2001, warning that it would affect her chances of landing the role.
“I decided that I was going to wear my headscarf because for me it’s so important to accept the person for who they are," Ms Arshad said.
"And if I had to become a different person to pursue my profession, it’s not something I wanted.”
The joint heads of St Mary’s Family Law Chambers said they were “delighted” to hear the news of her appointment.
“Raffia has led the way for Muslim women to succeed in the law and at the bar, and has worked tirelessly to promote equality and diversity in the profession,” Vickie Hodges and Judy Claxton said.
“It is an appointment richly deserved and entirely on merit, and all at St Mary’s are proud of her and wish her every success.”
Comments
This women has gone crazy.... evey time she opens her mouth she spills hatred and venom.... i laugh and feel pity on those people who elected her on what basis they have elected her i dont know.....can you point out a single area where she has done good thing for the society...... i havent seen she speak about her work about the development....... she is into communal politics only
Get "wedlock with Yeddi", 2nd time ?
Abhi counsi shaadi ?
soon she will be out of BJP....
BJP has no need to join hand with other terror-communal organisations. They are one who spits communal venom all the time
Who joined hands with PDP?? Thuppakki Shobha forgot that..!!
Wonderfull Akkama Akka, what about Baj Ranji? Terrorist RSS? What about your Yeddi Chaddi?
you pull of the gate, one way Trafic? not good nowadays every were two way trafic Akkamma, being sitting MP you have no knowledge because always behind Yeddi. so better hang yourself or get wedlock with yeddi, then only you Improve>
BJP's policy, those who pass deregatory remarks and spread communilism, they will get ministerial berth. During next reshuffle Shobakka will become a Minister of Communalism. Shobakka, don't be too smart, otherwise you will loose your looted Coffee Estate in Madikeri.
what about PDP Shobha kandodi arent they anti-nationals now ?
Yabba Khandody opened the mouth. Created only for desh drohi rss activity and communal clash.
jaa bahen shadi kar le... you will have better life than this...
Madam,
If we agree by your words, then what is your government in center is doing. Ban them. You want to play politics by keeping them active and polarise hindu votes. One think you forgot that people of coastal karnataka are highly educated. Yor can see the latest PUC results. So dont fool. It may backfire on you. Jai Hind
This woman always spits the venom on other community...
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