Malaysian women mark World Hijab Day

By Omer Faruk Yıldız

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AA) – Malaysian women from various religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrated World Hijab Day (WHD) with a special event in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

World Hijab Day became a non-profit organization in 2017 aiming to fight discrimination against Muslim women through awareness and education, according to the NGO’s website.

In a press release read out at the event, the NGO stressed the importance of “breaking stereotypes, shattering boundaries” -- which is the motto for 2019 -- and reducing barriers that hijabi women face in social life.

Marking the occasion, women shared their experiences and stories about reactions they got from their families and community when they start wearing hijabs.

At the end of the event, three Muslim and non-Muslim women were recognized with awards.

“I believe women should support each other whatever their circumstances. Hijabi women need to be heard. As a non-Muslim woman, I want to be part of it,” Bkay Nair, one of the honorees, told Anadolu Agency.

Nair also said wearing a hijab for even a day to support the campaign made her friends act differently, adding: “But finally, my family and close friends understand the reason behind my support.”

World Hijab Day was initiated in 2013 to encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear the hijab on Feb. 1 in support of Muslim women worldwide.