EMAIL: info@worldhijabday.org
WEBSITE: https://worldhijabday.org
PRESS RELEASE
Over 150 Countries are Expected to Participate
For immediate release 12/5/22
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 11th Annual World Hijab Day celebration with the tagline, “Progression, not oppression” and with the hashtag #UnapologeticHijabi.
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 personal freedom of religious expression 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.
Below are just a few of the testimonies of World Hijab Day participants:
“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]
Whether you are an individual, educational institution, business, nonprofit organization, a member of any faith community, or any other type of organization, you have a unique opportunity to participate. Here are 10 ways to get involved with the 11th Annual World Hijab Day on February 1st, 2023:
1. Participate by covering your hair with a headscarf (hijab). Men can wrap a winter scarf around their necks or hold up a “I Support The Right Of Hijab” sign. Post participation selfies on social media with the hashtags #UnapologeticHijabi & #WorldHijabDay. Tag us @WorldHijabDay. Consider donating $11 at bit.ly/3yXowbl in honor of the 11th annual World Hijab Day to end hijabophobia. All contributions are fully tax-deductible (Tax ID:823067789).
2. Raise awareness of World Hijab Day via your social media channels. Check out the Social Media Toolkit at bit.ly/3pkPIxg for step-by-step instructions.
3. Host a community event by encouraging everyone to unify and bridge the gap of religious respect and understanding. This may include educational stalls, conferences, peaceful walks and more. Feature your event on our website by registering at bit.ly/3msOaj2 and tag us on social media @WorldHijabDay.
4. Set up a fundraising page on social media, encouraging friends and family to donate in support of our mission to dismantle discrimination against women and girls wearing hijab:
Facebook fundraiser setup:
- Visit https://www.facebook.com/WorldHijabDay/fundraisers
- Click Raise Money.
- Choose a cover photo and fill in the Fundraiser details. (Set your fundraising goal min. $200. Don’t be afraid to go big!)
- Click Create.
Instagram fundraiser setup:
- Visit Instagram handle @WorldHijabDay
- Click Support in bio
- Click Create Fundraiser
- Add photo and fill in the Fundraiser details. (Set your fundraising goal min. $200. Don’t be afraid to go big!)
- Click Share Fundraiser
5. Encourage your friends and family to participate by wearing the hijab on February 1st and inviting them to our Facebook event page at bit.ly/3H1v8LM.
6. Take a hijab selfie while holding a sign with the hashtag #UnapologeticHijabi
Include this caption: I’m showing the world that I’m an #UnapologeticHijabi. I nominate all my followers to do the same. Let’s do it! Tag us @WorldHijabDay
7. If you are an Amazon user, you can make a difference while you shop on Amazon! Visit amzn.to/312M4iq at checkout and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to our organization at no extra cost to you. Visit bit.ly/3FvSCVK to activate your AmazonSmile.
8. Request proclamations in order to promote religious tolerance, cultural understanding and international solidarity. More info at bit.ly/3z0LzBT.
9. Take the pledge at bit.ly/30RD6EE against discrimination of women and girls wearing hijab.
10. Contact your local media and encourage them to feature a piece on upcoming World Hijab Day.
For media inquiries, visit our website or social media, refer to the header of this press release.