Irsih Institute to Mark World Hijab Day with Cultural Event
The Religious Studies and Theology Group at WIT has organized a cultural event to mark World Hijab Day on Wednesday, February 1.
There will be an assortment of hijabs on display, and the Muslim women will be happy to show anyone how to wear a hijab and the different styles available.
WIT student union president, Michelle Byrne, will be among the women invited to visit the stall and try on a headscarf.
World Hijab Day, an annual world event, was established by American Nazma Khan in 2013 to fight prejudice and discrimination against Muslim women.
WIT lecturer in world religions, Colette Colfer, said some students will wear the hijab for the day.
"With increasing anti-immigrant sentiment around the world, it is really important to have an event like this,” she said.
Ms Colfer is not a Muslim but has conducted a lot of research on Islam in Ireland.
"Muslim women are far more likely to experience discrimination and prejudice if they are wearing the hijab. I know Irish women who have been told to go back to ‘their own country’ when they have been wearing a hijab,” said Ms Colfer.
"Their abusers were shocked when they responded in an Irish accent.”
Source: Irish Examiner
