Beneath the Hijab follows Aisha Rahman, a Bangladeshi-Australian woman navigating the complexities of faith, identity, and belonging. Raised in Sydney by immigrant parents, Aisha grapples with the tension between her cultural heritage and the expectations of Australian society. The novel explores her journey of self-discovery, from childhood experiences of microaggressions to her decision to wear the hijab, a choice that brings both empowerment and external scrutiny.
As Aisha pursues a career in nursing, she encounters challenges in the workplace, including bias, discrimination, and the constant need to prove her competence beyond stereotypes. Her faith serves as both a source of strength and a point of contention, shaping her resilience as she builds bridges between her Muslim identity and the wider community. Through advocacy and storytelling, she challenges misconceptions and fosters cultural understanding, embracing her role as a voice for inclusion and diversity.