Enshroud by Medina Dugger

Photographer, Medina Dugger, worked in Lagos for about 4 years. And during her time there, she encountered many women in Hijab (the cultural and traditional covering typically worn by Muslim women). Not surprising as about 50% of the entire population is Muslim. In her ‘Enshroud’ series, she shows that despite the sensitive nature of the Hijab, there is beauty in it too.

Many see the hijab as a symbol of oppression alone, which is a limited view. Today many women choose to veil for privacy and to honour their cultural and religious traditions. The garment has also come to symbolise a position against Islamophobia. My presentation focused on the hijab in a style/design sense and in the joyful spirit embodied by the women I’ve met here in Lagos who wear them. A woman in hijab may be oppressed; this reality exists and must be combatted. A woman in hijab may also be free and a feminist. ~ Medina Dugger for Omenka

Enshroud features women who are cheerful and mostly in a state of joy and dance, showing that the Hijab isn’t restricting them from living life to the fullest. The Hijabs are also made of colourful and artistic designs, speaking to the women’s ability to still express themselves and be fashionable. The series urges us to see beyond the Hijab and to the woman wearing it.