Why does islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

Answer
As a veiled muslim woman , i would like to say that i am not degraded or oppressed. it is completely my choice to wear the veil and i like wearing it because i am doing it for the sake of my lord who has given me much honor and respect in this society. if we were degraded you would not see us defending ourselves against those who do not even know about the wisdom of veil. nobody can tell me that i am oppressed when i feel so proud and happy covering myself!