World Hijab Day: MPAC calls for inclusion, decries discrimination in Nigeria

The Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Disu Kamor, has praised hijab advocates across the globe for advancing understanding, acceptance and respect for Muslim women who wear the hijab.

Kamor made the commendation on Sunday, in a statement issued to commemorate the World Hijab Day, calling for greater inclusion and an end to discrimination against hijab-wearing women and girls.

He noted that the sustained efforts of advocates have helped to dismantle stereotypes and promote peaceful coexistence among people of different backgrounds.

Despite growing global awareness, the MPAC chairman expressed concern over ongoing challenges in Nigeria, particularly cases of discrimination, harassment and exclusion faced by Muslim female students in some public schools. He said such incidents, more prevalent in parts of southern Nigeria, are often linked to restrictive hijab policies.

According to Kamor, these practices contravene constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion and expression and are incompatible with the ideals of a pluralistic society.

Reaffirming MPAC’s solidarity with hijab wearing women and girls, Kamor described the hijab as a symbol of faith, identity and resilience. He encouraged Muslim women to remain resolute, stressing that wearing the hijab with confidence is a legitimate way of asserting and safeguarding their constitutional rights.

He also urged governments, educational authorities and community leaders to review and dismantle discriminatory policies, while promoting inclusivity, mutual respect and understanding.

Kamor further appealed to hijab advocates to continue their work, emphasizing that collective action is crucial to creating a society where women are free to practice their faith with dignity.

He reminded Muslim women that they belong to a long and enduring tradition of faith dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and that they enjoy the support of a global community of believers.

World Hijab Day, as observed by our reporter,  is marked annually to raise awareness about hijab and to stand against discrimination faced by Muslim women around the world.

World Hijab Day: MPAC calls for inclusion, decries discrimination in Nigeria