World Hijab Day: Nigerian Women Demand End to Discrimination

Nigerian women are demanding their rights as the world marks Hijab Day, with the Coalition of Muslim Organisations joining millions of Muslim women globally to push for the implementation of frameworks that ends discrimination against them.

The annual event, which holds every 1st February, with the theme “Hijabis Unsilenced” kicked off this year with a walk from Allen Roundabout in Lagos to the Alausa Secretariat Mosque, after which a group of women from 18 organisations converged to discuss pressing issues affecting hijab-wearing women in the country.

The keynote speaker at the event, Professor Khadijah Idowu, encouraged hijabis to uphold good values and display the best Islamic morals while dealing with people, urging them to be exemplary characters.

 

She said the hijab has been misunderstood as a symbol of oppression, but according to her, it is a means of recognition as prescribed by Allah in Quran 33:59. “So we may be recognised as women of faith and not be humiliated.”

“The hijab is not imposed upon us by men; it’s by choice. It is not a sign of oppression but that of empowerment. It is an embodiment of freedom of choice, modesty, and humility.” She said the hijab places emphasis on values rather than physical appearance and is a statement of resistance to oppression.

 

The university don said that despite advocacy on hijab, Muslim women still face challenges like harassment, intimidation, with serious consequences affecting their mental health and social relations. Professor Idowu said women have contributed immensely to humanitarian service, sacrifice, and community development.

The event also featured a session for high inspirers, which showcased hijabis who have performed exceptionally well in their careers and professions.

 

The high inspirers included entrepreneurs, teachers, counsellors, medical doctors, and a journalist who shared their experiences on how they have been able to navigate the hurdles of stereotype and discrimination as they adorn themselves in hijab.

 

The CEO of Hasbi Royal Hub, Hajiah Bushrah Olagunju, while speaking at the event, emphasised the need to uphold the values of Islam during business to be successful in business and to also earn Allah’s pleasure.

 

A banker who works at Lotus Bank, Khadijah Ajibade encouraged Muslim sisters to know the provisions of the law at their various places of work. She cited an instance where she was canvassed into removing her Hijab but she stood her ground.

 

The event provided a platform for raising awareness about the hijab as a symbol of faith, identity, and empowerment, while addressing the persistent challenges faced by Muslim women in Nigeria.

The coalition, comprising 18 islamic organisations as they all highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Muslim women in Nigeria, including discriminatory practices in schools, workplaces, and public services.

 

The coalition reiterated its commitment to creating a society that values diversity and upholds the dignity of all women by creating a future where Muslim women can live, work, and thrive without fear or prejudice.

The Executive Director of Hijabs Right Advocacy, Hajiah Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, encouraged women in hijab to display a high sense of discipline and morality. She said the media should remain consistently fair and unbiased in reporting issues on hijab, urging employers to give them equal opportunities to display their talents.

 

The representative of Anujabah, Engineer Olorununisola Kafayat, urged hijabis to be exceptional and intentional by working on their inner hijab and creating an enabling environment for the younger ones, saying the society stands to gain a lot from accepting the hijab.

 

Hajiah Mariam Saba urged Muslim women to always stand up for one another everywhere, rather than being a stumbling block for one another.