What does the veil mean to Muslim women? Is it a symbol of repression or faith? Journalist Samira Ahmed travels from her home in Britain to the Middle East, Asia, Malaysia and Africa interviewing a wide variety of men and women -- spiritual leaders, educators, and activists to understand the roots of the Islamic view of women. Are the harsh laws regarding women fundamental to the Koran or have they been grafted on to the religion long after the prophet Mohammed's death? In Iran we find that the chador was a sign against the Shah who forcibly westernized Iran. Spiritual values are put in the context of politics. There are women burning hijabs and chanting "no Taliban in Iran." In Cairo we meet the editor of a weekly with an openly feminist agenda, supporting equality but not sexual liberation. And in Turkey, women must fight for the right to wear the veil. A medical student was banned from Istanbul University for wearing a head scarf. In Malaysia 50% of the population is Muslim. In the north, the people are very conservative, whereas in Kuala Lampur the Muslims are more liberal.This wide ranging exploration of women in the Muslim world grapples with the questions of whether there can be democracy in an Islamic state, and how can Muslim women maintain their spiritual connection to the religion without giving up their independence. The film explores issues of circumcision, arranged marriage and polygamy. It shows that some Muslim women are prepared to challenge the mullahs in order to reconcile Islam with modernity.