Wednesday 1 February marked World Hijab Day, and Community Rail Lancashire invited members of the community rail network to join them for an online celebration event.
World Hijab Day is an annual event founded by Nazma Khan in 2013 and takes place on 1 February each year in over 150 countries. The aim of the day is to encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab as a way to promote understanding and cohesion.
Community Rail Lancashire’s World Hijab Day event was be hosted by Community Rail Education Development Officer Shahiesta Raja. The online session was open to all interested and included a personal account of wearing the hijab as a British Muslim woman by Shahiesta. This was followed by a chance to ask questions and finally a demonstration on how to wear the hijab for the women who joined. It was a great session with lots of positivity!
‘This has been fascinating. A great platform for promoting information about culture and respect.’ Karen Holt
‘Thanks for explaining that hijab means modesty rather than meaning the garment, and that men have hijab too. That’s a revelation for me. I’ve learned so much today!’ Emma Osborn