THE World Hijab Day Organisation has asked global citizens of all faiths and backgrounds to wear the hijab for a day in solidarity with Muslim women worldwide.
In a statement obtained from its website, worldhijabday.com, the organisation, founded by a Bangladeshi-American activist, Nazma Khan, described the request as an annual one which it indiscriminately makes to women across the world on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Hijab Day on February 1st.
The statement reads in part: “World Hijab Day is an annual event in its seventh year. On February 1st of every year, World Hijab Day Organisation asks global citizens of all faiths and backgrounds to wear the Hijab (head-covering) for a day in solidarity with Muslim women worldwide.
“The motto for World Hijab Day 2019 is “Breaking Stereotypes. Shattering Boundaries” with the hashtag #FreeInHijab.
“The overall mission of WHD is to create a more peaceful world where global citizens respect each other. Particularly, WHD focuses on fighting bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against Muslim women.
“This is most crucial in these times where Hijab is being banned in some countries while in other countries, Muslim women are being targeted and harassed verbally and physically.
“Given the current climate, World Hijab Day is even of greater importance. We must stand up and clearly say that women have a right to choose what they want to wear – whenever, wherever and however.
“World Hijab Day is an event that we should be proud of celebrating, not just for religious tolerance but for women’s rights around the world.”
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