USM Hijab Day 2020

The University of Southern Mississippi--

Hattiesburg, MS

February 17, 2020

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at USM celebrates female empowerment with a yearly display and demonstration of how to wear an hijab.

Merriam-Webster defines the hijab as the traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim women. However, not all women who chose to wear the hijab are muslim. In fact, World Hijab Day (WHD) celebrates and honors those who do wear one by educating others and allowing them the chance to try one on for themselves.

World Hijab Day was founded on February 1, 2013 by Nazma Khan to empower the millions of women who chose to wear a hijab. She hopes to educate the public about the importance of respecting a woman's choice to wear what she wants and to express herself how she likes. By creating a dialogue between women who wear the hijab and those who may not understand, Khan hopes to create understanding and combat the stigma and controversy around the hijab.

The MSA at USM took part in WHD on February 3rd this year in the Thad Cochran Center. Club president, Sumar Beauti, along with other members set up a table in the lobby with several scarves and wraps for students to try on. They each took turns explaining why they wore a hijab and what wearing a hijab means.

Several students tried on hijabs and shared other stories about how they empower themselves every day.

Beauti says that the "most common misconception is that people who wear it are oppresed." However, she says WHD is her opportunity to educate people about the hijab and to combat those fears. She says that "it does not matter what other people think, it is between you and God."

MSA member, Miraim Atobiloye, says that women should empower one another instead of tearing each other down. She covers her hair because it makes her feel empowered and closer to her culture. Atobiloye also suggests that other women should seek education as a form of empowerment, and says that however a woman choses to uplift herself should be respected.

For more information on World Hijab Day visit their website.