Support for Muslim community
South Canterbury District Health Board employees will join thousands of other New Zealanders showing their support for the Muslim community today by wearing headscarves.
New Zealanders of all religions are being encouraged to take part in the movement to support and acknowledge the pain the Muslim community is suffering, and the grief New Zealanders share in the midst of tragedy.
CT charge radiographer Jo Hawkey, who initiated the idea at Timaru Hospital, says she was motivated to honour the memories of the 50 people who lost their lives during last Friday’s terrorist attack in Christchurch.
‘‘They were once a part of our community and now they’re not,’’ she said. ‘‘We don’t want their stories to be forgotten.’’
Hawkey said she was inspired to join the #headscarfforharmony movement by Dr Thaya Ashman, a Mt Eden GP, who has volunteered as a doctor in Afghanistan. ‘‘I thought it was a really good idea,’’ Hawkey said.
‘‘I approached management at the health board and asked if we could do this on Friday and they said yes. It grew from there.’’
Timaru Hospital radiographer Jasmine Crawford said she came on board with the cause because everyone should be free to worship and and dress as they wish. ‘‘People should not feel afraid for walking around in the public with the hijab [headscarf] on ... they should not feel scared to do it,’’ Crawford said.
‘‘People should feel free to worship how they see fit without fear or prejudice.’’ Crawford said they had colleagues at the hospital who did not have to feel out of place for practising their chosen religion.
‘‘We have Muslim colleagues here at the hospital. One of our cleaners is a Syrian refugee; we have doctors who are Muslim, who choose to cover up, and we would hate to think they’re feeling alone and conspicuous so we’re showing our support.
‘‘Because it was endorsed by the Islamic Women’s Council and the New Zealand Muslim Association, we felt that it was something that we could do just to show our support and solidarity.’’
SCDHB chief executive Nigel Trainor encouraged all staff to don their headscarves today.
‘‘I am humbled by the humanity and generosity shown by our staff. This initiative was brought to the attention of leadership by the radiology team and is something we are wholeheartedly endorsing,’’ he said.
‘‘Our staff are also donating to the Victim Support Official Givealittle Page, recognising two minutes of silence, and even collecting baked goods to deliver to the healthcare teams in Christchurch. They are truly living our vision of making every moment matter.’’
Hawkey hopes love for humanity, and unity, win on the day.
‘‘It will be a really visible way to show that love will always win.’’