The mission of the UK-based Assembly for the Protection of Hijab (Pro-Hijab) is to campaign nationally and internationally for the protection of every Muslim woman’s right to wear the Hijab in accordance with her beliefs. Pro-Hijab speaks out for the right of every Muslim woman to dress as modestly and as comfortably as she pleases.
The group was formed as a response to France banning pupils at state schools from wearing religious symbols. At Pro-Hijab’s first conference, held in London in July, more than 250 people from 15 countries packed the assembly hall. The organization feels that with the continuing escalation of the Hijab ban globally, it is imperative to keep this issue at the forefront. Pro-Hijab has recently launched a website, www.prohijab.net to publicize its international activities and to disseminate information on attacks against the Hijab globally.
Pro-Hijab has declared Sept. 4, 2004 as a worldwide Hijab Solidarity Day. Following the success of the Jan. 17, 2004 “International day to support the Hijab” in which events took place in more than 35 countries around the world, Sept. 4 will be another show of unity for supporters of religious freedom.
Sept. 4 marks the start of the school year in France and the beginning of the ban on wearing the Hijab in France’s academic institutions. Pro-Hijab asserts that such a ban will serve to create outcasts of every Hijab-wearing Muslim girl, causing untold psychological damage. The show of solidarity on Sept. 4 is expected to provide these girls with support and strength in order to fight for their rights.
