Global Pink Hijab Day
Global Pink Hijab Day is an initiative that began as an experiment by founder, Hend El-Buri and a group of high school students in Columbia, Missouri. It was intended to remove stereotypes of Muslim women by having Muslims engage in dialogue about breast cancer awareness, joining walks in groups while wearing pink headscarves, and holding other events promoting awareness and support for the cause.
Global Pink Hijab Day is a global movement, with many participants including men who wear pink kufis (or skull caps) to celebrate breast cancer awareness. It takes place at many Islamic schools and student organizations throughout the United States.
History
Pink Hijab Day was founded in 2004 by Hend El Buri, a high school student at the time. It began small, in a high school in Columbia, MO. A group of girls decided to wear pink hijabs one day to encourage others to ask questions about their hijabs and about Islam. After more and more people began participating, the Susan G. Komen Foundation was contacted and Pink Hijab Day had its start. The girls felt that wearing pink might lessen the tension of how people view Muslim girls wearing the Hijab, or headscarf. The creators of this event hope that Pink Hijab Day will encourage people who are curious about women in Islam and hijab to ask questions to dispel misconceptions. They also promote taking preventative action against Breast Cancer and to donate to various Breast Cancer Foundations to find a cure.
Previous Dates
- Wednesday, October 29, 2008
- Wednesday, October 28, 2009
- Wednesday, October 27, 2010
- Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Purpose
The purpose of Pink Hijab Day is threefold: Hijab – To encourage those who are curious about Muslim women and about hijab to ask Muslim women about what their hijab means Society – To encourage Muslim women to participate in various community improvement projects because we are a valuable part of the fabric of the societies we live in. One of these projects is the effort to find a cure for breast cancer Health – To raise funds for cancer research, and to encourage all people to maintain their health by getting regular screenings and to increase knowledge about preventative methods.
Observance
Although it started in small college town Columbia, Missouri, Pink Hijab Day has grown to be a worldwide day supporting and raising funds and awareness for breast cancer. Pink Hijab Day events are held in countries like Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, and South Africa, as well as States across America.
References
- Official Website Pink Hijab Day Website
- Toronto Star article Toronto Star Newspaper. Mon Oct 15 2007
- blog post We Love Hijab
- Pink Hijab Day Page Susan G. Komen. 2009
- Thaqalayn Muslim Association of York University