Veiled Muslim Entrepreneur Challenges Stereotypes in Spain

Holder of a higher degree in environmental chemistry and health from the Professional Technical Health School of Navarre, Imane worked in a laboratory before opening this small supermarket in the Milagrosa neighborhood. The young Moroccan aspires to a better life. "We want to work, we want to be respected, we want people to accept us and I want to send a message to people: Muslim women are not as they think, we are not closed, we accept people and we talk to them," she told Ok Diario.

And she adds: "I want to address those who see a Muslim woman wearing a veil and who are reluctant. We are the same as Spanish women. There are no differences. Apart from religion, we are the same." Imane lives with her parents, her three brothers and sisters, and her three children (two daughters and a son), in the San Juan neighborhood. She plans to leave the business to her family and resume her work in the food product analysis and air quality control laboratory.

The young woman enjoys Pamplona and is well integrated. "I love Pamplona and the people are very nice. They accept me and no one rejects me. Everyone appreciates the fact that we have opened this store. The people in the neighborhood are very happy," she says. In this mini-supermarket, a little bit of everything is sold: fruits, vegetables, Moroccan products, milk, sodas, drinks, canned goods, etc. "I’m learning, because I’m just starting out. Little by little, I’ll bring in more things to satisfy my customers," she promises.