Here's How Canadian Muslim Women Are Breaking Down Stereotypes About The Hijab

"We really felt that as empowered Muslim women that it's essential to use our voice and help Canadians better understand the Muslim identity."


A national awareness campaign is asking non-Muslim women to try on a hijab to better understand why some Muslim women choose to wear the headscarf. So far, hundreds of women at events across the country have taken part in the #JeSuisHijabi campaign.


The Muslim Jama'at launched the campaign in response to attacks on Muslim women following recent terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere.

"We really felt that as empowered Muslim women that it's essential to use our voice and help Canadians better understand the Muslim identity," Hena Malik, an organizer and spokesperson of the hijab campaign, told BuzzFeed Canada.

Malik said the goal is "to open dialogue with Canadians across the country" and to make people comfortable asking about the hijab, its role in the faith, and why some Muslim women choose to wear it.

"Some of the misconceptions are that Muslim women are forced to wear this, that it's anti-liberation, that we're told to wear the hijab by our fathers, brothers, and husbands."

While wearing a hijab for a day won't necessarily convey the full experience of Muslim women in Canada, it's a valuable way to build understanding, Malik said.

"What this is showing is how amazing Canadians are, regardless of what background we come from. We have these huge open hearts and we're willing to embrace one another for who we are and really give them our utmost acceptance."

Muslim movement has 70 chapters in Canada, from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. Events and workshops have been held in cities across the country, with some drawing hundreds of participants.

"Everyone is embracing this idea, and everyone's curious," Malik said. "And here is this great, comfortable way to learn more about the hijab and become more acquainted with Muslim women in the veil."