As the world gathered to celebrate this year’s World Hijab Day, Muslim organizations across the country have continued to advocate for the protection and end to discrimination against women in hijab.
Foremost Islamic Organisations, the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), and Al-Mu’minat (The Believing Women) Organisation, have continued to lend their voices to the need to protect and stop discriminating against women in hijab.
The groups, in their various goodwill messages at this year’s celebration, called for recognition of the women’s right to freedom of religion and expression, among others.
In a statement by the Amirah (president) of FOMWAN, Alhaja Serifat Oluwatoyin Ajagbe said the world should come together to celebrate the resilience of women and promote their fundamental rights.
She said; “On this special day, World Hijab Day 2025, we celebrate the courage, faith, and resilience of women who wear the hijab, embodying strength and empowerment despite challenges. The hijab is not merely an article of clothing, it is a profound statement of devotion, identity, and self-respect. For countless women, it symbolizes a commitment to their Creator and serves as an act of spiritual liberation and empowerment in a world that often defines worth through external appearances.”
Continuing, Alhaja Ajagbe said; “As we mark this occasion, let us promote understanding, compassion, and inclusivity. Together, we can foster a world that celebrates diversity, honours the right to self-expression, and values every individual’s unique journey. May this day remind us to support one another in breaking barriers and building a more just and equitable society.”
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Hijabis Unsilenced,” the Amirah of Al-Mu’minat, Bilqis Abdullah, said voices of women wearing the hijab must be heard loud and clear and respected at all times.
She said; “Hijabis Unsilenced, the theme for this year’s World Hijab Day, is a powerful phrase that resonates deeply in a world where hijabis have been marginalised, stereotyped, profiled and dehumanised.
This phrase is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It acknowledges the struggles and injustices that hijabis have faced and continues to face while also celebrating their strength, resilience, and determination.
“Hijabis Unsilenced” is a reminder that their voices matter, their stories are valuable, and their contributions are essential.
Let’s amplify the voices of hijabis everywhere, and create a world where they are seen, heard, and valued.”
In her words, Alhaja Rahmat Egbeyemi, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), said the body recognised the inalienable right of the Muslim woman to adore herself with the hijab as a Muslim without any form of humiliation or condemnation from anyone.
She said: “We recognize the hijab as a fundamental aspect of a Muslim woman’s identity and a symbol of her devotion to her faith. As such, we believe that every Muslim woman has the inalienable right to wear the hijab without facing discrimination, harassment, or marginalization. Through our advocacy works, we have educated, informed, and inspired individuals, organizations, and governments to understand the significance of the hijab and the need for peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society. Our publications and voice have not only countered misconceptions but have also empowered Muslim women to stand tall in the face of adversity.
As we commemorate World Hijab Day, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of Muslim women in Nigeria. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public to create a society where being an observant Muslim woman donning the hijab does not carry a price tag. A society where everyone is able to practice their faith freely and without fear of persecution.”
Also in a statement by Hajia Rahmotallahi Lawal-Ajayi of the Lagos Secretariat Mosque, said; “The theme of this year’s celebration #HijabisUnsilenced# reinforces the current status-quo for millions of Muslim sisters around the world via the alluring beauty and significance of the hijab as a religious symbol of purity, modesty and a big voice of hope for Muslim sisters denied of their covering rights to appear in educational, professional and social circles due to apparent victimisation for adorning the hijab.
We must continue to encourage our Muslim sisters to adopt this identity of peace, modesty, and purity because they need the charge to be able to stand high with their hijabs and not be left out of opportunities or discriminated against.
In a world of advocating for women’s rights, the right to use the hijab remains a fundamental pre-requisite for Muslim women and as such, it must be highlighted beautifully to become a norm that should not raise dusts anymore.