Post by Salma Maqsood

“You won’t make it if you dress like that” At the time, I was wearing a Hijab, tunic & trousers and was discussing a training contract. I cannot put into words the level of distress I felt when I heard these words. I had worked so hard, to get my degree, my LPC, worked as a paralegal. - The training contract was the final hurdle. Failure was not an option, I needed a training contract. My family had sacrificed too much to educate me, they had supported me financially & emotionally. It deeply saddens me that in my career journey, I felt I had no option but to conform/compromise my identity & Hijab. Despite trying to conform, I still didn’t fit in! I wanted to wear my Hijab but I was scared of how it would be perceived: 👉🏽 What if it held me back from promotion 👉🏽 What if clients stopped instructing me 👉🏽 What would the lawyers on the other side think of me 👉🏽 It would "other" me even more 10 years after qualifying as a Lawyer, I realised; no matter what I do, I will never “fit in”. So: I stopped trying. It was exhausting! I put on my Hijab and it was Empowering 🙌🏽 I finally felt free, happier & so much more productive! Since wearing the Hijab, I have been promoted; I have gained & retained clients and; I am respected by my colleagues. I am a Hijabi Muslim Lawyer. I did it. If I can do it, so can you! Alhumdolillah ❤️ I share this story on #WorldHijabDay 🔸To inspire aspiring lawyers 🔸 To be the role model I never had 🔸 To educate AND 🔸 Because Representation Matters!! #WorldHijabDay2024 #VeiledInStrength #MuslimLawyer #RepresentationMatters