What's that on your head? Hijab Stories

Since I started wearing the hijab on the 5th March 2013, I've said the word hijab more than 1,364,229 times.  I say it more times than I say my own name, I no longer need an introduction, apparently my hijab says it all.

Recently I attended a talk about feminism and stated how frustrating it is to spend so much time talking about the way I look - when that's exactly the opposite of what I was trying to achieve.  However, I'm learning to accept that it's something different for a lot of people and I suppose curiosity and questions are better than silence and judgement.  

Looking back over these months, there have been some really funny and beautiful moments.  So, I thought I'd write them down for the people who maybe wanted to ask but didn't in fear of saying the wrong thing or the right thing in the wrong way.

My Mum pines for 'my beautiful hair'.  Ofcourse she sees it all the time but she wants other people to see it and marvel at it's glory.  'It's such a waste for it to be hidden', a waste of what exactly I'm not sure but I promise to start making a conscious effort to swish, brush and flaunt it around the house as much as possible to get proper use out of it.  Love you Mum!

On a family trip to St Andrews, whilst they all tucked into sandwiches and wraps from 'Ye Old' whatever, I needed some spice!  After living in Tunisia for a year it's hard to taste anything without chilli.  The guy in the kebab shop was chatting away and asked where I'm from, to which I replied Edinburgh.  'No, where are you really from?'  I wasn't really sure what answer he was looking for.  He then asked me where my parents and grandparents were from.  Scotland and Scotland (I have the least exciting family tree ever).  As this was the first time this happened I was genuinely confused until I realised it was my hijab that was confusing him.  Now that I'm in on the game it's quite funny watching brains tick when I say I'm from Edinburgh.

Whilst at the YES Scotland march (please vote YES) we bumped into an old family friend.  She's a lovely woman, one of the funniest and most vivacious I've ever met actually.  Once at a dinner party she announced that my sister and I were both beautiful - 'One more beautiful than the other' (her take on an old saying apparently!).  This time she warmly embraced me and shouted 'Oh wow, look at you, you're still beautiful even with that on your head!'.  My Mum and me couldn't stop laughing, we know her and her reaction was a classic.  

Since coming home I've made a wonderful new friend called Sophie (don't be jealous old friends I love you too).  Sophie and me meet for jujube tea in cafe's where the cups don't match.  We discuss politics, feminism, religion, what's on at the Filmhouse, articles we read in the Guardian and dream jobs with human rights organisations.  She's wonderful.  The first time Sophie seen me without my hijab, her reaction was 'Oh my God, is that you?  I don't know if I like it, I mean I'm not used to it!'.  She only knows me with my scarf and it's a lovely feeling.  She readily accepts me, partly because she's a shiny star and partly because she doesn't come with any preconceived ideas about 'who I am'.

Finally, the amazing little girl who sat in her buggy on my bus home from work, pointing and giggling and sincerely asking, 'what's that on your head?'.  

The ones who didn't make the cut..........

The guy who thought it would be nice to shout abuse at me in the street, threaten to hit me and rip off my scarf.  And all the people who watched and said/did nothing.  Not cool.

The guy selling roses in Rome who was so happy that I'd converted that he started shouting about how 'not all Muslims are terrorists' in a crowded place.  

Thank you Tunisia

The day to say goodbye came far too quickly and there was no way to prepare myself.   I said goodbye to so many friends and colleagues and people who have treated me as a member of their family.  Soon I'll say goodbye to my home and my wonderful flatmates ( a word which sadly doesn't do them justice!).  I don't want to imagine the moment when my feet will leave Tunisian land, the very country that grounded me, that shaped me.

My leaving presentation was full of surprises and I was so incredibly touched and overwhelmed by all the videos, messages, poems, dance shows, gifts and guests.  Firstly, we planted a lemon in the 'Palestine corner' of the youth centre I helped to create.  Then it was time for me to make a final speech and show a short video about my experiences here.  It's so frustrating that there are no words to describe the year, no words to show how much you all mean to me.  I hope that one day, somehow, I can repay you all for every kind and humble gesture.

This is my goodbye - 

We're guilty in the U.K of believing that 'our way is best', that living any other version of life than our own equates to inequality, oppression, narrow-mindedness and a variety of other self-indulgent arrogances.  The best thing I, and any other volunteer can gain from this experience, is to appreciate that your logic, your morals and values and beliefs do not necessarily translate across the world -  and to date, no country is nearing perfect.   I've learned so much in Tunisia, from Tunisians, from their culture and Islam.  They are far richer in many ways than we are at home.  So take the best.

As well as traditional carpets and clothes and ceramics, I'm taking back some priceless gifts which will stay with me for a lifetime.  The importance of family, modesty, the strength and character of women, hospitality and the presence of children in your life makes everything worthwhile!

Last March I predicted in my journal how quickly my year volunteering in Tunisia would pass.  However I could never have predicted the people I would meet and how every single one of them would become a part of the person I am.

Thank you to each and every person I have met in this year.  To AJMEC Association, Xchange Scotland and the British Council for making it possible.

Volunteering Abroad; The why, the where and the how to!

When I was 12, I travelled to Romania with a family friend to visit an orphanage there which was receiving support from a U.K charity.  This was in 1999, when you could still see children living in drains, sniffing glue on the streets and worse.  The conditions were terrible.  But my childhood memories of Romania, are of friendships, love, kindness, playing and sunshine.  With one exception which stays in mind.  It was my last day and last goodbye to the girl who had become my best friend.  Normally strong and full of bravado, I watched her eyes fill with tears as she removed her bracelet and placed it on my wrist, a small link between our two very different worlds.  I was going home from what had been my exciting adventure and she was returning to her reality.  The unfairness of it all was too much, we were the same, so why didn't she get the same as me?  It's an experience that ignited something inside of me and that grows stronger all the time.  Inequality may be something we live with but it does not mean we should accept.

During the course of my studies I regularly organised  fundraising events and volunteered with a variety of not for profit organisations, in particular, educational charity 'Show Racism the Red Card'.  I also worked part-time but never found any salary or position which was as rewarding as my volunteer work.  It developed my confidence, self-worth and helped to nurture me into a young woman with strong ideas and opinions and self belief!

The European Voluntary Service program was an opportunity to gain further experience in the voluntary sector and in a completely new culture and way of life.  I chose Tunisia.  All expenses paid plus a monthly allowance, there was literally nothing stopping me.

My average week here involves language lessons, organising activities for sick children in hospital, calligraphy lessons and taking part in/organising activities in a local youth centre.  It involves laughter, spending time with the most wonderful children and young people, being immersed in a culture that exudes peace, kindness and selflessness.  It involves travel, reawakening of the senses, leaving behind the expectations of the society I grew up in and finding my own rules to live by.




The program is open to those between the ages of 18-30, you can opt for a short-term project (2months) or the maximum term 12 months.  You can also take part in one short project for 2 months and then another for 10 months if you wish.  There are so many amazing locations (ofcourse I'd recommend Tunisia!) and associations you can get involved with.  So if you've been reading my blog wishing you could do something similar, ask yourself, what is actually stopping me?  Life is too short, don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime!

Feel free to email me at KimberleyDavidson@hotmail.co.uk if you would like any more information or you can visit the links below!  Start your dream today!

EVS information

My Tunisian association, AJMEC

My Scottish association, Xchange Scotland