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Amy Toensing

Visual Journalist

Behind the Veil

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School: Ohio University, School of Communication

High school sophomore Niama Ome...omalia with her family in 2001.

1 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

High school sophomore Niama Omer catches her veil from flying away in Maine's ocean breeze. Niama moved to Portland, Maine from Somalia with her family in 2001.

Soon to be bride and high schoo...eir Islamic religion.

2 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Soon to be bride and high school sophomore, Niama Omer and her bride's maids in the dressing room at Filene's trying on clothes they would not be allowed to where in public because of their Islamic religion.

A Somali woman crosses the stre... arrived to the state of Maine.

3 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

A Somali woman crosses the street June 4, 2004 in Portland, Maine. The traditions and cultural colors of Islam have decorated the streets of Portland since the 90's when many African immigrants arrived to the state of Maine.

17 year old Kaltuma, is the mai...ma's wedding.

4 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

17 year old Kaltuma, is the maid of honor at her best friend Niama's wedding.

Somali Muslim students share a ...in the face of western culture.

5 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Somali Muslim students share a laugh after singing a Somali folk song on the way home from an ESL field trip April 16, 2004 in Augusta, Maine. Muslim females in the United States straddle two cultures, as they are expected to uphold many of the customs and traditions of Islam in the face of western culture.

Kennedy Park housing developmen... inherent to many other cities.

6 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Kennedy Park housing development in Portland is home to many Muslim, Somali families. Maine has become a desirable destination for many immigrant families who want to protect their children from the crime and drugs inherent to many other cities.

A muslim teenage girl takes tea...use, like cooking and cleaning.

7 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

A muslim teenage girl takes tea to her ill mother after feeding her grandmother breakfast. Many of the young Muslim females are responsible for feeding and taking care of their family, as well as tending to the daily chores of the house, like cooking and cleaning.

One week after her wedding, Nia... Seven Days Ceremony.

8 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

One week after her wedding, Niama, receives colorful scarves to use as veils from the women in her community at a traditional Somali ceremony, called the Seven Days Ceremony.

Mothers of the bride and groom ..., seven days after her wedding.

9 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Mothers of the bride and groom dance at a Seven Days Ceremony in celebration of the recent marriage of their children. The Seven Days Ceremony is a traditional, all-woman, Somali celebration for a new bride, seven days after her wedding.

Niama’s wedding day m...nd’s house.

10 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Niama’s wedding day marks her transition from being a daughter in her parent’s house, to becoming a wife in her husband’s house.

Niama Omer drives with her fian...e with her high school studies.

11 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Niama Omer drives with her fiancé to do errands. At the age of 17 she has chosen to get married and continue with her high school studies.

Proud family members surround t...ng to become a doctor some day.

12 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Proud family members surround their high school graduate. Many Somali girls are encouraged to stay away from marriage and focus on their studies so that they can go on to college. This girl is hoping to become a doctor some day.

Samira and Lala on their way to...ala, have to hide it.

13 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Samira and Lala on their way to senior prom in a limo. Samira's family allows her to be open with them about dressing in western style clothing. Other girls, like Lala, have to hide it.

Recent graduates of Portland Hi...in the face of western culture.

14 of 14 © 2024 Amy Toensing

Recent graduates of Portland High School, these women have chosen to stay in Portland where their Somali Muslim community is growing and thriving. Muslim females in the United States straddle two cultures, as they are expected to uphold many of the customs and traditions of Islam in the face of western culture.

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Public Project

Behind the Veil

Copyright Amy Toensing 2024

Updated May 2022

Location Maine

Topics Culture, Culture stories, Documentary, Editorial, Ethnic minorities, Film, Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism, Refugees

Summary

Muslim females in the United States straddle two cultures, as they are expected to uphold many of the customs and traditions of Islam in the face of western culture.

The women of Islam are often seen as symbols of tradition and cultural identity. As one scholar noted, "It is as if the whole burden of the Islamic tradition rests on their shoulders." In America the role of Muslim women becomes even more significant and complex as they are not only the bearers and representatives of their culture but they are expected to be the ambassadors by forging new pathways into the western culture with language, education and employment. As they carve these pathways their own values often put them in conflict with the surrounding culture and its heightened sexuality. A family's reputation is often judged by the actions of their daughter as she is not only their mirror, but also their future.

These photographs look at the lives of Muslim, Somali teenage girls living in Portland, Maine, straddling the line between Islam and western culture, living on both sides of the veil.

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