Tanzanian charity debunks stereotypes against hijab-wearing Muslim women

By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) – A local charity in Tanzania is working to debunk stereotypes and discrimination against hijab-wearing Muslim women in the job market, unleash their potential without compromising their faith and promote a shared understanding of equal treatment in a diverse society.

Many Muslim women in Tanzania are often discriminated against in the job market for simply wearing the hijab. In many cases, women’s rights campaigners say that such women have to choose between their livelihood or hijab.

The hijab, a veil that covers the head, mid-back and chest, is a symbol of modesty that Islam requires.

On World Hijab Day observed on Feb. 1 annually, Pink Hijab Initiative Tanzania has invited women of all faiths to wear their head shawls to raise awareness about the hijab in order to end stereotypes against head-covering Muslim women.

Khadija Omari Kayanda, the founder of the Pink Hijab Initiative Tanzania, said wearing the hijab has a negative effect on women’s employability, thus reducing the chances of female Muslim applicants receiving job offers.

“Women who wear the hijab may be rejected from more prestigious employment opportunities due to the perceptions associated with it,” said Kayanda.

- Changing perceptions

The organization is working to enlighten members of Tanzanian society and change the negative perceptions on hijab wearing.

“We need to have more women leaders in powerful positions and we need to promote the culture of sisterhood which fosters freedom to speak up and support one another,” Kayanda told Anadolu Agency.

Kayanda said that throughout history, women have been oppressed and denied the right to education due to harmful gender norms that accord more priority to men.

“We encourage young women to hold their heads high … If you stand your ground long enough, the impediments will slowly disappear,” she said.

According to Kayanda, it is important for Muslim women to be professional and dress appropriately and modestly. The hijab, she said, is not only a profession of their faith but their professionalism.

On World Hijab Day, Kayanda urged women to work hard, be honest, and stay connected to successful people.

“Always listen to your inner voice. The fire inside you should never stop burning,” she stressed.

As a fashion-conscious Muslim woman, Kayanda loves the color pink, which she says represents the Islamic values of care, compassion and togetherness.

According to her, women command great respect in Islam, as it is attested in a number of verses.

“The Prophet (Muhammad) states emphatically that the rights of the mother are paramount … Abu Hurairah (a companion of the Prophet) reported that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and asked: ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and attention?’ He replied: ‘Your mother.’ ‘Then who?’ He replied: ‘Your mother.’ ‘Then who?’ He replied: ‘Your mother.’ ‘Then who?’ He replied: ‘Your father.’”

Kayanda has developed the passion to inspire young women to assume leadership positions and lift them from poverty and social marginalization.

Pink Hijab Initiative Tanzania is a non-profit organization working to inspire, educate and raise awareness in young women to unleash their economic potential.

Launched in 2016, the organization is working to empower young women through capacity building, research, health, and other related programs.

The group is striving to equip young women with knowledge and transferable skills to drive change in the country’s social economic spheres.

Lulu Salumu Kherii, a Muslim woman who has been economically inactive for 15 years, said it is common for women to surmount problems when trying to balance between a career and their personal life, especially when dealing with their traditional role of wife and mother.

“I believe a woman can do everything under the sun whether it is related to technology or the home,” she said.

Her comment is echoed by Kayanda who said women are needed to occupy leadership positions.

“We need to promote the culture of sisterhood which foster freedom to speak up and support one another,” she said.

Armed with her impeccable academic credentials, Kayanda has in the past 16 years been working in logistics and project management, and she has used her transferable skills to promote women’s rights in many occasions.

She has consulted and advised on several women empowerment and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Kayanda has for years channeled her energy to promote women-led community development programs. She is currently working full time for REPOA, a policy think tank, as events and partnership manager.

She grew up in a family with great value over humanity and strict adherence to religious teachings.

“I realized that young girls, when raised up, are able to achieve their dreams and have confidence in their vision,” said the mother of three.