Women around the world will have an opportunity to take a stand against discrimination faced by Muslim girls and women, for their choice of wearing the hijab. This year will be our 10th Annual World Hijab Day celebration with the theme, “Hijab is our crown, not a crime” and with the hashtag #DressedNotOppressed.
Nazma Khan began this global initiative in 2013 after having fallen victim to verbal and physical abuse because she wore the hijab. Growing up in New York City, Nazma’s experienced heightened discrimination post 9/11, and eventually sought to open up doors for religious tolerance by inviting women around the world to walk in her shoes for one day, while donning the hijab. Hence, World Hijab Day!
There have been many milestones since, including but not limited to the declaration of February 1st as the National Hijab Day by the House of Representatives of the Philippines:
“I’m still confused, however, as to why some people seem to equate hijab with oppression. I found nothing oppressive about covering my head at all. On the contrary, it was liberating not having to constantly worry about my hair.” [Tia StoneJaa, non-Muslim, USA]
“It’s commonly believed that wearing a veil is a form of sexual discrimination. I didn’t find it to be so. To my surprise, the veil was strangely liberating, an unapologetic form of self-expression.” [Joe Galvez, Catholic, Philippines]
