Communication of Veiled Women in Shaping Positive Stigma

Abstract

The wearing of veils in society generates various perspectives. Veil-wearing carries negative stigma and discrimination, causing veiled women to not be fully accepted in the community. Veiled women are perceived as limiting their interactions with the environment. Their existence is often associated with radical Islam and terrorist activities frequently occurring in Indonesia. Essentially, veiled women need support in the form of moral recognition, respect for their decisions, and acceptance in society. Hence, the communication of veiled women plays a crucial role in shaping positive stigma. This study was conducted in public universities in Bandar Lampung City, employing a qualitative approach with observation, interviews, and documentation as methods. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for data analysis. This research aims to analyze how veiled women communicate to create a positive stigma in society, given the numerous negative stigmas attached to them. The research findings demonstrate that veiled women employ self-approach and engage in positive activities in society to avoid the perception that they avoid socializing in their surroundings. They use internal strategies by ignoring and tolerating negative views, allowing them to confront stigmas such as being seen as fanatics, members of terrorist groups, and being shunned by those around them