Muslims worldwide gear up to observe World Hijab Day
February 1 marks World Hijab Day, observed in over 150 countries to promote awareness and solidarity with Muslim women and girls facing bigotry, discrimination, and Islamophobia.
Surveys reveal widespread harassment and bullying of Muslim students in the United States. According to 2024 Campus Climate Report, 49% of Muslim college students experienced discrimination due to their identity, with professors and peers among the offenders.
The report explains that among middle and high school students, nearly half reported feeling unsafe or unwelcome, while one in four cited offensive behavior from teachers or staff. Students wearing hijabs face particular challenges, with about a third reporting their hijabs were pulled or touched offensively.
World Hijab Day encourages non-Muslims to wear a hijab to foster understanding and empathy. Organizers emphasize that this act is about cultural appreciation, not appropriation, and serves as a way to support Muslim women.
The initiative also highlights the broader issue of Islamophobia, which stems from a lack of awareness. Educational activities, such as inclusivity workshops, panel discussions, and social media campaigns, are encouraged to promote understanding.
Participants are invited to share their experiences using hashtags like #WorldHijabDay and #HijabisUnsilenced. The event’s goal is to dismantle stereotypes and foster allyship. It has gained recognition from lawmakers and expanded to include workshops for educators and parents, focusing on creating inclusive environments.
Organizers stress the importance of addressing the challenges Muslim women face, particularly those wearing hijabs, to build a more empathetic and equitable society. World Hijab Day serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and standing against discrimination, aiming to create a safer and more inclusive world for all.
