World Hijab Day "Stand For Her Right To Cover" Feb. 1

Stop by the resource booth; join a panel discussion

For the past five years on Feb. 1, the World Hijab Day organization asks global citizens of all faiths to observe Hijab (head-covering) for a day in solidarity with Muslim women worldwide.

World Hijab Day "Stand For Her Right to Cover" encourages women to foster global religious tolerance and understanding through hijab awareness and information.

Miami will observe the day with two events, sponsored by Global Initiatives and the women’s center:

An information and resource booth, 1-4 p.m. at Slant Walk, Armstrong Student Center

Includes resources on the Muslim faith and traditions and an opportunity to try on a hijab to experience the tradition of head covering.

Panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. in 212 MacMillan Hall

Includes a screening of a TED talk, a facilitated discussion by panelists and an open discussion with panelists and attendees about the hijab, the choice to cover and stories of Muslim women and cultural traditions of the Islamic faith. Panelists include local Muslim women and Nathan French, assistant professor of comparative religion and an expert in Islamism, religion and politics.

Community members and families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. 

"We are looking forward to hosting our first World Hijab Day program,” Rhonda Jackson, administrative assistant for the women’s center, said.

“Many Muslim women experience discrimination simply because they choose to wear the hijab,” Jane Goettsch, director of the center, said. “This event strives to improve cultural competency by fostering understanding and knowledge around Muslim women and their right to wear a hijab and their freedom to practice their faith. These women are not oppressed or forced to wear the hijab, but simply choose to do so.”

The overall mission of World Hijab Day “Stand for Her Right to Cover” is to create a more peaceful world where global citizens respect each other, according to the organization. Particularly, it focuses on fighting bigotry, discrimination and prejudice against Muslim women.