Elham Manea

Elham Manea is a prominent Yemeni-born political scientist and professor at the University of Zurich, specializing in the Arab Middle East. Manea is known for her critical stance on the political Islam movement and has openly discussed the implications of veiling practices, particularly among young girls. Having grown up in Yemen, she experienced the societal expectations surrounding the hijab, which she now views as a symbol of patriarchal control rather than religious piety. Manea has been an advocate for a nuanced debate on the religious autonomy of children, emphasizing that any bans on religious symbols should apply equally across different faiths to avoid stigmatizing particular groups. Her research and public statements have made her a key voice in discussions regarding women's rights and religious freedom in Switzerland.