Ban on religious symbols in Francophone universities in Belgium will be lifted starting from next academic year (September 2021).
This decision will particularly impact Muslim women who choose to wear Hijab while studying in the Wallonia region.
Fatima Zahra Younsi, an anti- Islamophobia activist said:
This decision was very important, and it will impact a lot of women - It will impact their decision to pursue studies, to be a normal part of society, be financially independent, and follow their dreams about what they want to to become.
Julien Nicaise, the general administrator of Wallonia-Brussels Education (WBE) said:
The general interest must come first. We can no longer refuse these young women on the pretext that they wear a veil, prevent them from studying. A diploma is their passport to inclusion through employment.
