How do young female Muslim University students feel perceived by Maltese society and fellow students?

Abstract

This long essay aims to explore the experiences that young female Muslim university students encounter during their academic life. Particular attention is given to the cultural, social, academic and religious aspect that life amongst such a declared Roman Catholic environment presents to this small segment of Maltese society. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted using semi-structured interviews among nine female Muslim university students of various nationalities. Findings disclose that similarities in environmental, cultural and familial ethical values are the main attributes to aid these young female Muslim university students adapt quickly to life in the Maltese Islands. However, certain cultural barriers coupled with a general lack of public knowledge on Islamic culture prohibit these youths from integrating fully into Maltese society. Ignorance produces fear which leads to discrimination and social exclusion. Increased public awareness on Islamic culture could rectify and enrich the lives of Muslims living in Maltese society.