The new religious teacher, based at Newport, says he makes no decisions without first consulting his wife and the community.

Misconceptions about "oppressed" Muslim women were blamed on fear of the unknown.

I decide to conquer that fear by attending Newport mosque for prayer on Friday - the equivalent of the Christian sabbath.

First, I search online for types of head coverings and how to wear them.

I feel a bit ridiculous, a bit of an impostor.

But just as one removes their shoes, I don the hijab as a mark of respect.

Arriving at the mosque, a woman in Walker Street turns to stare.

Australian Arabic Women's Group president Laila Houli welcomes me in the house next door to the mosque, where women pray in a small room.

"Ah, you're wearing the hijab," she says in surprise, before warmly embracing me.

I ask her about the perception of some, that Muslim women are forced to cover up.

"Noone forces you," she said. "It's up to you.

"Many women don't put it on.

"The Koran says women and men are equal.

"She has her own choice. She can choose whatever she wants."

The biggest gender inequality I witness is the difference between numbers of men and women at the mosque.

There are only 11 women, compared with hundreds of men spilling out of the mosque and into the adjoining car park.

While the existing mosque was not purpose-built for females, the new $12million Hobsons Bay Islamic Centre in Blenheim Road will have dedicated prayer areas for men and women.

Recent reports in this paper revealed the Newport Islamic Society was struggling to repay Hobsons Bay Council $1.35 million for land on which to build the mosque.

When the imam's speech is piped through a speaker into the women's room, first in Arabic and then translated into English, he talks of a different debt.

In the lead-up to the holy month of Ramadan, worshippers are reminded to settle their "spiritual debts".

Ms Houli says the new mosque will be a welcoming place for everyone. "We are opening the doors for Muslims and non-Muslims.

"They have a very large recreation area in the mosque. They also have a library. Everyone is welcome to come.

"We like peace. We like all the society and community to be safe, everyone living in harmony together, sharing life together.

"I respect you. You respect me."