World Hijab Day: Muslim women seek solution to challenges of data capturing process
• Celebrate remarkable achievements of Muslim women in hijab
OWING to the persistent violation of the rights of Muslim women who wear the Hijab during data capturing, a coalition of Muslim Women in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative, has called on agencies in charge of biometric data to abide by the compulsory applicability of the Nigeria Biometric Standards, counselling front- end partners, operators, staff of these agencies to always follow the guidelines.
To commemorate World Hijab Day ( WHD) 2024, the group comprises Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, FOMWAN Lagos, Nasrul- Lahi Fathi Society ( NASFAT), Pure Heart Islamic Foundation, AlMuminaat Organisation, MSSN Lagos State Area unit, An Nujabau Female Forum, Izharul Haq Movement of Nigeria, The Criterion Lagos District, International Muslim Women Union ( IMWU), Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria ( IMAN), Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Muslim Public Affairs Centre ( MPAC), Akhwaat Muslimat Organization, Muslim Rights Concern ( MURIC), Guild of Muslim Professionals, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Pristine Cactus Foundation, among others described the infringement as violation of human right according to Nigeria constitution.
The World Hijab Day is a yearly event celebrated every February 1 in over 140 countries. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about modest Muslim dress.
The group’s coordinator, a lawyer, Mutiat Orolu- Balogun said WHD is a reminder of the profound significance of the Hijab and the strength it embodies for Muslim women worldwide.
“Under the theme ‘ Veiled in Strength’ we reflect on the resilience and dignity of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab as a symbol of their faith and identity. Our dress code was given to us by God as stated in Quran 33V59. And we Muslim women uphold our religious obligation to obey as God has commanded, despite the challenges,” she said.
She noted that it takes strength and faith to wear hijab, particularly in today’s world despite the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by the constitution. “The laws regulating these matters recognise and permit the use of Hijab. Yet some public officers use their positions to infringe on the rights of Muslim women.”