World Hijab Day: Muslim Groups Seek equal Rights for Hijab wearing females Muslims
A coalition of Muslim Organisations have called for equal rights between the hijab-wearing female Muslim folks and non-Muslim folks in the country.
The group advocated the upholding of the Muslim girl’s right to use the hijab without oppression, segregation, and dehumanization.
The Coordinator of Hijab Right Advocacy, Hajia Mutiat Orolu-Balogun led other coalition of 17 Muslim organisations to the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa Ikeja on Wednesday to tell the world that the right of female Muslims should be recognised and respected as living beings and not discriminated against.
With the theme: “Progression, not Oppression” the Muslim bodies asked for recognition of the right of the Muslim girl and woman to use the hijab without any form of intimidation.
They called for a collective effort to progress hijab-wearing and not to oppress their choice of using the hijab.
Hajia Olorlu-Balogun who led the coalition said; “some have claimed that the hijab is a symbol of oppression and segregation. Rather, it is unjust and unconstitutional laws, bigoted administrative rules, and outright discrimination that oppress Muslim women and girls. We are inundated daily with reports of various Muslim women, young and old, across various cities, states, and countries being harassed, subjugated, and discriminated against due to the hijab, this must be stopped.”
Also speaking at the press briefing, Secretary of the Women wing of Lagos Zone 2 of NASFAT, Hajia Aisha Busari decried the moral decadence in the society as she urged collective effort to uphold the right moral values in the lives of the children in society.
She said; “It is disheartening to know how much the society applauds immorality and frowns at right choices. How women’s empowerment is preached, yet the empowerment and choice of Muslim women are opposed. In this world where the urge to go naked is prevalent, let’s join hands together, school teachers and administrators, leaders of faith, and everyone to encourage modesty, the use of hijab.”
