World Hijab Day YMM celebrates five-year milestone

The community gathered together for the fifth annual World Hijab Day in Fort McMurray at the Peter Pond Mall on February 4.

Once again, the event brought women of all faiths together to try on an Islamic headscarf – the hijab. With a purpose to find understanding with one another, the World Hijab Day Fort McMurray (WHDYMM) committee felt the event was well received in the public.

Following the branding of World Hijab Day, which is celebrated globally on February 1; the local event featured signage with #StronginHijab taglines. Many attendees took to social media to share. In addition, they shared sentiments on video, which will be released soon by the WHDYMM committee.

Mayor Don Scott brought greetings on behalf of council and he was joined by Councillors Mike Allen, Krista Balsom and Verna Murphy.

“World Hijab Day Fort McMurray is an important event. It is needed. We appreciate the committee’s hard work for continuing to host this for five years. I see the next five years of success for you,” Mayor Scott said.
Nazma Khan, founder, World Hijab Day shared words of appreciation to the local group.

“Congratulations for conducting your fifth annual World Hijab Day. I applaud and appreciate your hard work and dedication in fighting discrimination against Muslim women throughout the world. You took a positive step towards building bridges of religious harmony and understanding. Thank you for being part of this auspicious event."

During the event, the committee read a poem: “On Building Bridges,” which was written exclusively for the five-year milestone by co-founders Dawn Booth and Kiran Malik-Khan.

Kiran Malik-Khan, President/Co-founder, World Hijab Day Fort McMurray was happy with the turnout, and thanks everyone for attending.

“We are beyond impressed. Thank you to our amazing committee for working tirelessly over the last few months. Huge thanks to Peter Pond Mall for hosting us for the last five years. We couldn’t do this without our amazing sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Our hearts are full of gratitude for everyone who chose to attend the event to foster understanding and solidify our Wood Buffalo community,” she said.

The committee sends gratitude to the following sponsors: Dr. Mobina Chaudhary, MANN Builders, A1 Towing, and United Class Cabs for making the event possible.

World Hijab Day was started in New York in 2013 by Nazma Khan. It is celebrated in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the Hijab; and is now held in 190 countries around the world.
Event photo album is available via www.facebook.com/worldhijabdayYMM/