World Hijab Day.
February 1st is the 13th annual World Hijab Day, a global event inviting “people of all backgrounds to stand in solidarity with Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and to challenge the prejudice and misconceptions they often face because of this choice” (World Hijab Day Organization, 2025). Founded in 2013, this annual event was created by Bangladeshi-American Nazman Khan who had the idea to promote better cultural understanding by inviting women from all backgrounds to wear hijabs on that day. This movement has grown to include the participation of over 150 countries around the world, who engage by holding their own education, advocacy, and community building events to amplify the voices and highlight the stories of these women.
The history of the hijab is long and interwoven with centuries of cultural and religious significance. The term hijab is “linguistically derived from the meaning to be veiled, concealed, or protected and can be used both in its literal and metaphysical sense, as it appears in the Qur’an” (Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research Canada, 2025). Cultural bias and systemic discrimination against Islam have long fueled the unjust criticism that the hijab is oppressive to the women who wear them. In truth, research shows that the majority of women wear hijab “with purpose, as a badge of honor—one that is liberating, empowering, and brings solace because it is worn solely as a religious act of compliance to God” (Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research Canada, 2025).
This year, the theme for World Hijab Day is #HijabisUnsilenced, a way to celebrate and empower the voices of hijab-wearing women and take an active stand against the misinformation and prejudice they face. The World Hijab Day Organization is leaning on the global community to educate each other, face their own biases, and celebrate the voices and diversity of Hijabis (women who wear hijabs).
Systematically and undoubtedly, Islamophobia is pervasive and deeply engrained in Canada’s social and political landscapes. A 2023 Canadian study showed that 41% of people in Alberta hold an ‘unfavorable’ view of Islam and 29% do not support a hijab being worn in public (Angus Reid Institute, 2023). In 2019, Quebec passed Bill 21 which prohibits the wearing of religious symbols in specific public positions while working and subsequent studies have shown that this has led to an increase in feelings of segregation and fear within the Muslim Community.
As social workers, we have a responsibility to combat stigma, challenge discrimination, and amplify the voices of others. This work happens with our loved ones, our clients, our colleagues, our communities, and our governments. What could this look like?
· Speak up if you hear or see discriminatory words or actions at home, in the community, or in your workplace
· Make intentional time to learn about the history, meaning, and language around hijab
· Stay up to date with policies surrounding hijab and the impact social and political discourse has on this community
· Challenge discriminatory policies and procedures in your workplace
· Share accurate facts and anti-Islamophobia campaigns (such as World Hijab Day) on your social media
· Write to your MP about current or missing legislation that impacts the right to wear hijab
· Create safe physical spaces for colleagues or clients to engage in prayer
· Support, donate, and buy from organizations that promote acceptance
· Vote against government officials that promote hateful or discriminatory beliefs or policies
Written by MSW practicum student, Amy Prystupa.
Resources and further readings:
Islamophobia in Canada: Four mindsets indicate negativity is nationwide, most intense in Quebec.
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research Canada. (2025). Hijab: spotlighting servitude to God.