Community members step up to deal with lack of suitable clothing for Muslim women

Finding clothing in Winnipeg that allows Hadjer Bendifallah to be comfortable without compromising her religious values has been challenging, she says. 

Many Muslim women, including Bendifallah, seek out modest fashion that fits both their lifestyles and Islamic beliefs. It tends to reveal less skin, fit loosely and feature long dresses or pants.

While traditional items can be found in Winnipeg, some Muslim women want more places to buy their clothes. And that's where community members are stepping up. 

"It is not easy to find the clothes that meet criteria for an Islamic outfit," said Bendifallah, who moved from Algeria to Winnipeg in 2020.

"Often, for me, I tried to adapt with what is offered in the market, because the offers are limited, so it's not easy to find an outfit." 

One way Bendifallah's gotten around the lack of availability is to order clothing online.

She also went to Algeria last year and brought back enough clothing to keep her covered for one year. 

"But it's not easy for all people to go to their home country and bring clothes from there," she said. 

Meriyema Seid opened Abijata Marketplace this past winter to help deal with the issue. 

The clothing store on Sargent Avenue imports items from Dubai, Turkey and sometimes Saudi Arabia, Seid said. Garments at the store range from traditional items to fashionable pieces that can be worn on all occasions. 

The store specializes in hijabs and abaya, Seid said, traditional clothing many women wear to go out. 

Seid also used to buy clothing online, but sometimes the items she ordered didn't fit properly.

She hopes Abijata Marketplace can make clothing shopping less of a burden for community members. 

"I think it's a good opportunity for our community," Seid said. "It's easy to find here."