Bangsamoro women celebrates World Hijab Day on February 1, 2023, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro women celebrated the ‘strength in wearing a veil’ on World Hijab Day in Cotabato City on February 1, that served as a reminder that fortitude and courage stem from wearing a hijab or veil among Muslim women.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Veiled in Strength,” raising awareness not only about the importance of wearing hijab but also fostering understanding of the rich traditions within Muslim cultures.
Bainon Karon, Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BW), underscored that the commemoration unites women in promoting love and understanding among one another.
She added that the event highlights a Bangsamoro woman’s resilience and strength, portraying the hijab as a symbol of a Muslimah, a pillar of protection, and a Muslim woman’s obligation.
“Let us embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote understanding and acceptance,” the Chairperson mentioned.
She continued to underline the recognition of stories of inspiration, empowerment, and determination that lied behind every hijab.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim also stressed that wearing hijab creates an environment that allows Muslim women to be recognized for their contributions to society and be a part of an inclusive community.
“This year marks another milestone for this global initiative in amplifying the voices of Muslim women while promoting inclusivity, education, and cultural exchange,” Ebrahim said.
He shared that women are truly represented in the Bangsamoro Parliament and the entire workforce in the autonomous region. In fact, sixteen of the members of parliament are women.
In the Philippines, according to February 2023 data presented by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), 94.7% of employed individuals are women.
The Chief Minister further stated that World Hijab Day recognizes the Bangsamoro’s rights to self-determination as Muslims in the Southern Philippines, freely practicing their culture, traditions, and faith.
He urged his constituents to ensure that the rights of Muslim women in the region, as well as in the entire Philippines, are guaranteed and to work towards empowerment, inclusivity, cultural understanding, and social cohesion.
A revert Muslim woman, Judy Mae Cagang, also expressed that wearing a veil optimistically helped her transition to Islam.
“Exactly a year ago, I started wearing hijab, and from then on, I felt welcomed in the religion and experienced holistic respect from the people around me,” Cagang, who is also an employee of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), shared.
“Up to this day, it feels so light and heartwarming to have my hijab on,” she continued.
Advancing Bangsamoro women’s welfare and rights through World Hijab Day results in their self-sustaining and inclusive development, which is aligned with Chief Minister Ebrahim’s 12th Priority Agenda. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
