‘We’re not oppressed’: Canadians unite to mark World Hijab Day

Muslim women are sharing their experiences on social media platforms for World Hijab Day, while also inviting non-Muslims to step in their shoes by donning the headscarf for a day.

As a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, growing up and living in London, Ont. has been a “rollercoaster” ride, Yasmin Khan says.

From being yelled at to “go back home” while walking outside with friends or missing out on opportunities in school due to her headscarf, the discrimination has affected her mental health.

“Sometimes you feel so judged and neglected by society that you reach a down point in life and you’re like, I don’t want to wear it anymore,” the 22-year-old Western University student told Global News.

Khan’s struggles and insecurities are shared by many other Muslim women in Canada and around the globe, who say they have faced verbal and physical attacks because of their faith.

On World Hijab Day, now in its 10th year, Muslim women are sharing their experiences on different online platforms about what it’s like to wear the hijab and why they choose to do so, while also inviting non-Muslim women from all backgrounds and faiths to step into their shoes by donning the head-covering for a day.

Bangladeshi-American Nazma Khan, who launched World Hijab Day (WHD) in 2013, said the aim is to raise awareness and normalize the wearing of a hijab.

Having faced discrimination and bullying in school and university by being spat on, chased, kicked and called a “terrorist”, Khan is hoping the annual event can foster religious tolerance so other women do not have the experiences she had to endure.

Nazma Khan said men can also take part in this campaign and offer their support by wearing a scarf around their neck or just holding a sign and taking a photo to share online.