WEBSITE: https://worldhijabday.org

PRESS RELEASE

Over 150 Countries are Expected to Participate

For immediate release 12/6/2023

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 12th Annual World Hijab Day celebration with the theme #VeiledInStrength. 

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 an unique opportunity to participate. Here are 10 ways to get involved with the 12th Annual World Hijab Day on February 1st, 2024:

1. Wear a Hijab: Participate in our global event, World Hijab Day (WHD), on February 1st, by covering your hair with a headscarf. Men can show support by wrapping a winter scarf around their neck or wearing an “I Support The Right Of Hijab” badge/pin/sticker. Post participation selfies on social media with the hashtags #VeiledInStrength & #WorldHijabDay. Tag us @WorldHijabDay.

2. Increase Awareness: Join us in amplifying awareness for World Hijab Day by sharing the campaign’s graphics across your social media platforms and personal blogs/vlogs. For detailed guidance, explore our Social Media Toolkit here for step-by-step instructions.

3. Organize an Event: Host a World Hijab Day (WHD) community event to involve everyone in the community to come together and bridge the gap of religious respect and understanding. WHD events can encompass a wide array of activities, such as arranging informative booths, providing hijab styling assistance, hosting workshops, organizing conferences, facilitating peaceful walks, and much more! Feature your event on our website by registering here. Post WHD event pictures and videos on social media with the hashtags #VeiledInStrength & #WorldHijabDay.Tag us @WorldHijabDay.

4. Fundraiser: Set up a fundraising page on Facebook and/or Instagram and inspire your friends and family to contribute towards advancing World Hijab Day’s mission of tackling discrimination against girls and women who wear hijab. Find step-by-step guidance for setting up your fundraiser below:

Facebook fundraiser setup: 

• • Create a new post 
  • Click Raise Money (under the post)
  • 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. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about the history, styles, and cultural variations of hijab to gain a deeper understanding.

6. Foster Inclusivity: Encourage inclusivity and acceptance in your community by speaking out against discrimination or stereotypes related to hijab.

7. Reach Out to Muslim Friends: If you have Muslim friends or acquaintances, engage in open and respectful conversations with them to understand their experiences and challenges.

8. Recognition: Support World Hijab Day in gaining national and international recognition by seeking official proclamations. This effort aims to advance the cause of religious freedom, foster cultural understanding, and strengthen global solidarity. More information, click here.

9. Make a Commitment: Commit to standing up against discrimination towards girls and women who wear the hijab by taking our pledge today! Click here to pledge! 

10. Support Us: Join us in celebrating the 12th annual World Hijab Day by making a meaningful donation of $12 here today! Your contribution is more than just a financial gift; it empowers us to dismantle bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice against hijab wearing girls and women through awareness, education and empowerment. 

For media inquiries, email us at info@worldhijabday.org

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