On Thursday 1st February, for the third year at BGS, staff and students united for the 12th annual World Hijab Day, which was founded by Nazma Khan on 1st February 2013 as a way to recognise all Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab.
The wearing of the hijab is often a very personal decision, for many, it gives a sense of community and spiritual identity. However, it is also used as a form of oppression in some countries. World Hijab Day sets out to challenge misconceptions, demystify the myths and stand in solidarity with Muslim women in communities around the world.
Our students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the hijab with their peers and also tried on the headscarves in different styles.
Saarah Javaid (Diversity and Inclusion Captain): “In Islam the Hijab is of utmost importance this is shown through the quote: ‘Verily, every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty’ this describes how Islam promotes modesty, this can be through actions and clothing- such as the Hijab. World Hijab Day this year was very successful, it was heart-warming to witness students and staff from all backgrounds help empower Muslim women by trying on the Hijab. This was a rewarding event to organise as it helped counteract misconceptions around the Hijab and increased the education of Islam within the BGS community.”
Sughra Bibi (Upper Sixth): “World Hijab Day this year was so successful. It was absolutely amazing seeing my BGS peers and teachers embrace something so important to me as a Muslim. I am so glad that I was able to promote the reasons why hijab is so significant. Additionally, I loved seeing everyone’s faces light up when putting the hijab on them. I was so happy to see the official world hijab day Instagram page acknowledge our video on the diversity and inclusion Instagram. It was just so rewarding seeing everyone’s openness to the hijab!”
Mrs Tombs (Deputy Catering Manager): “Having so many cultures at BGS, it's really important to us as a catering team to represent these cultures through cuisine. We really enjoy embracing cultural days like World Hijab Day - we love to see students telling other students and staff about their culture; food provides a social and informal setting to have these discussions. It was lovely to see students coming through the dining hall wearing hijabs for the first time with new knowledge about what they represent.”
Miss Lewis (Head’s Executive PA): “World Hijab day is a fantastic way for our girls to not only demonstrate how to wear a Hijab but help the wider community understand the significance and meaning behind wearing a Hijab which can often be viewed as oppressive, which is not the case.”
Mr Gracie (Deputy Head – Student Engagement and Welfare): “We want every student to feel recognised and included at BGS so this is a super way to celebrate something together that is significant for so many of our students.”
