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World Hijab Day: How Muslim Women in Hijab Are Reclaiming Narratives at the Forefront of Liberation Movements

The hijab has long been at the center of a global narrative war. In media headlines and political debates, it is often framed as a symbol of oppression, stripped of the voices and agency of the very women who wear it. But beyond the bias and sensationalism lies a reality the world rarely sees: the hijab as an emblem of strength, faith, and defiance against a system determined to misunderstand it.

Muslim women in hijab, as seen in Palestine and Lebanon, have defied this narrative that veiled women are oppressed. These women are seen to be at the forefront of the liberation movement against the Israeli military occupation, demonstrating incredible bravery, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. In fact, the role of these women brings to perspective the true representation of the hijab in the ongoing fight for freedom against the colonizers.

Far from being silenced or confined, these women are empowered, showing that wearing the hijab does not diminish their autonomy or capability, but rather enhance it. As stories post October 7, 2023 continue to center these women as agents of change, it has become increasingly evident that hijab is not a symbol of oppression but a marker of strength, identity, and resistance in the face of occupation, violence, and systemic injustice.

Historic Move Recognizes World Hijab Day in the US

In a historic move celebrating diversity and inclusion, the New York State Senate has officially recognized both World Hijab Day and International Muslim History Month (IMHM) for 2025. 

On January 14, 2025, the Senate passed Resolution No. 88, designating February 1, 2025, as World Hijab Day in the State of New York. Further advancing Muslim representation, on January 28, 2025, the Senate passed Resolution No. 257, officially designating May 2025 as Muslim History Month in the State of New York. 

This recognition was championed by Senator Robert Jackson, whose advocacy for Muslim representation has been instrumental in raising awareness for the contributions of Muslim communities. Since 2021, IMHM has been observed in New York as part of a global initiative led by the World Hijab Day Organization and serves as a platform to honor Muslim contributions throughout history while addressing misconceptions and combating Islamophobia.

Nazma Khan, Founder & CEO of the World Hijab Day Organization, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the resilience and contributions of Muslim communities. The hijab is often misunderstood, and World Hijab Day provides an opportunity to foster dialogue and understanding.”

The Weaponization of Hijab by Media

Despite these milestones, the hijab remains a focal point in global discourse, often used by media narratives for their agendas. After the western-backed Mahsa Amini campaign against the hijab, this agenda intensified, casting shadows of propaganda across borders.

The media frenzy, fueled by fake accounts, viral hashtags, and coordinated campaigns, painted a one-sided picture, reducing complex socio-political dynamics to simplistic slogans: “freedom” versus “oppression.” The real story, however, reveals a regime change agenda cloaked in the guise of women’s rights, with a surge in Islamophobic attacks as collateral damage.

For decades, mainstream media has perpetuated a dangerous narrative, portraying the hijab as a symbol of suppression and Muslim women as silent victims. A 2017 study analyzing 35 years of data from major U.S. outlets revealed this bias, with coverage predominantly framing Muslim women as oppressed while ignoring their achievements and voices.

The entertainment industry mirrors this bias, with Muslim characters representing Pjust 1% of roles in popular TV shows, despite Muslims constituting 25% of the global population. Muslim women, when depicted, are often shown as voiceless and trapped, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Ironically, while championing “choice,” the same media overlooks hijab bans in countries like France and India. Muslim women face harassment, job discrimination, and violence—not for being forced to wear the hijab, but for choosing to. The hijab is more than fabric; it is an act of devotion, a symbol of dignity, and a conscious choice rooted in faith. Islam honors both men and women, guiding them toward modesty, family strength, and societal harmony.

The true narrative isn’t one of oppression but of resilience. Muslim women are not defined by the media’s lens, nor do they seek validation from it. Their strength is rooted in faith, their hijab a testament to courage, conviction, and choice. 

The Struggle for Hijabi Representation in the West Continues

While New York’s recognition of World Hijab Day in 2025 is an important step toward fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity, the reality for many Muslim women in hijabs across the United States remains far from ideal. Although the observance of such days can promote awareness, the persistence of Islamophobia continues to create a hostile environment for Muslim women.

In 2020, for example, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) documented a 15% increase in anti-Muslim hate incidents, with hijab-wearing women disproportionately affected by harassment, discrimination, and violence.

The pervasive negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Muslims contribute to this climate of fear and prejudice. As a result, many women who wear the hijab face heightened levels of suspicion and hostility, particularly in public spaces such as airports, schools, and workplaces, where they are often targeted for their religious identity.

The challenges extend beyond social interactions and into more structured environments, such as sports. Hijab-wearing athletes frequently encounter resistance and exclusion, even in professional and collegiate sports. In 2017, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) lifted its ban on headscarves, but similar restrictions still persist in other sports and events, leaving Muslim women athletes feeling marginalized and overlooked.

Furthermore, hijab-wearing women in the public eye are often subject to scrutiny and criticism, with many facing the dual burden of navigating both gender and religious discrimination. 

While some strides have been made with the recognition of World Hijab Day, these ongoing struggles highlight how much further society needs to go in ensuring that Muslim women in hijab are not only accepted but also respected in all aspects of public life.

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Author

  • Zainab Rights

    Zainab Rights is a Muslim American Journalist and Editor in Chief at TMJ News Network. She holds a double degree in Political Science and Homeland Security and a Masters in Journalism from Harvard University. She has over 12 years of experience in political commentary, writing and video production.

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