World Hijab Day 2024 - The Stories #VeiledInStrength
Ruhee Meghani
Founder—Allied Collective | LinkedIn Top Facilitation Voice | Creating brave spaces for authentic wellbeing and inclusion through workshops that drive lasting organisational change.
World Hijab Day, observed annually on February 1st, invites us to explore and respect the diverse practices and cultures around the globe. It's a day dedicated to fostering understanding and celebrating the choices and rights of women who wear the hijab. Understanding the significance of World Hijab Day is crucial in our increasingly diverse society, offering insights into cultural practices and promoting inclusion. This day not only symbolises religious expression but also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and embracing cultural diversity.
Here are some stories that have touched my heart, and that provide insight into the depth of this topic.
Afsana Lachaux writes: "For us it’s not just about redefining sports hijabs; it's about rewriting the narrative for countless Muslim girls whose dreams of inclusion and participation should never be compromised, and clothing is a big part of that story"
Hajer Naili : "On this #WorldHijabDay, we have a collective responsibility in disparaging these harmful narratives and embracing our different beliefs and practices to allow equal opportunities for all, including Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab."
Sana Saddique : "On World Hijab Day today, make that effort to reach out to your friends and colleagues who wear a hijab and ask them questions. Learn from them and see if they are willing to share with you what their journey has been like and what wearing a hijab means to them. Then consider what does hijab mean to you?"
Ash Ahmad "it's not my faith that oppresses me, but the oppressive societal norms that make me believe wearing the hijab could hinder my success."
Hira Ali : "Regardless of their choices related to the hijab, let's unite in our advocacy and allyship for all these women. Today, let's celebrate the beauty of individual decisions and acknowledge that each Muslim woman's journey with the hijab is unique to her. It's a personal decision, and external opinions should have no bearing on that choice."
I hope you're as inspired as I am with the stories shared here, and continue the learning journey here onwards.
Author | Writer | Speaker | Executive Coach, PCC | Consultant | Women & Ethnic Leadership Development | Intersectionality | Allyship | Equity & Belonging | Culture | Gender, Race & Faith Inclusion
11moThank you for featuring my post and this beautiful collection of inspiring stories, Ruhee Meghani 💜
Director of The Sweaty Betty Foundation, empowering women and girls to get active and stay active.
11moRuhee Meghani thank you for curating this beautiful collectuon and including my post. I love the plurality of perspectives and voices. I don’t wear hijab but as a woman of Muslim heritage working in the fitness and sports sector, I am very proud of the work we are doing at The Sweaty Betty Foundation smashing stereotypes and breaking down barriers. Our clothing doesn’t define us.
Founder of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultancy Changing Mindsets| Author of CIPD's EDI Accredited Programme | Global Public Speaker | Events Host
11moThank you for compiling these stories, reading them collectively was extremely powerful and thank you for the feature! ❤️
Award Winning Solicitor and Director - Taking the shame and stigma out of Divorce | Real Conversations for Real Lives | Empowering You to Navigate Relationships Without Judgment | Celebrating Your Unique Family Journey
11moThank you for featuring me Ruhee Meghani . World Hijab Day can be all about your personal journey to wearing a hijab or aspiring to one day. So don’t feel like you don’t belong. Your part of the sister hood ☺️💫 we got you!