Belgium Appoints First Hijab-Wearing Government Commissioner for Gender Equality

The appointment of Ihsane Haouach bears the signature of Sarah Schlitz (Ecolo), Secretary of State for Equality and Diversity. This appointment of the social entrepreneur has been effective since May 25. "It’s been 4 to 5 months since the choice was made by Ecolo, even if the publication in the Belgian Monitor is more recent," Pascal Devos, spokesperson for Ecolo, told the newspaper La Libre. "It’s a lady chosen for her qualities, thanks to her solid CV." "Ihsane Haouach holds a master’s degree in business engineering. Her training and her professional and associative experiences attest to knowledge and experience in the fields of public management and gender equality," the royal decree consecrating her appointment emphasizes.

"Good news. I have been appointed government commissioner to the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men. [...] This position will allow me to continue my work for a more inclusive society, by collaborating directly with an institution at the federal level. I thank Secretary of State Sarah Schlitz for her trust and I look forward to starting my term!" reacted Ihsane Haouach, who had launched "Bruxelloise & Voilée", a movement to fight against stereotypes against women wearing the hijab.

This appointment has provoked strong reactions from the political class. "The appointment of a woman wearing a conviction sign as a government commissioner of the Institute for Equality between Men and Women is totally contrary to the principle of neutrality of the State," denounced Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the Mouvement réformateur (MR), considering that "for electoral reasons, Ecolo is flouting a fundamental principle of a liberal democracy." For its part, Sarah Schlitz’s office specifies that Ihsane Haouach "was appointed for her skills alone, because she is the best to hold this position."