Penny Appeal, a leading international humanitarian charity, proudly celebrates World Hijab Day on February 1st, honouring the millions of Muslim women worldwide who choose to wear the hijab as a symbol of modesty and religious expression. This day serves as a reminder of the personal freedom of religious expression and cultural understanding, inviting women from all walks of life to experience wearing the hijab for one day annually.
As part of the celebration of World Hijab Day, Penny Appeal highlights the remarkable achievements of its CEO, Ridwana Wallace-Laher, who is one of the first Muslim Hijabi women to lead an international humanitarian charity. Ridwana was appointed as CEO nearly a year ago and has since become a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for Muslim women around the world.
Ridwana Wallace-Laher’s leadership at Penny Appeal exemplifies the strength and resilience of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. In a statement, Ridwana emphasised the importance of challenging stereotypes and stigmas attached to the hijab, stating: “Many people think the hijab is oppressive to women, but I am proof that it is an empowering piece of clothing that demands respect and admiration. It is a sign of strength and identity.”
Ridwana encourages women who have never worn a hijab to embrace the opportunity to experience it firsthand, stating: “You don’t really understand somebody until you put yourself in their shoes. It might be an opportunity to try it and see how you feel, and quite often, it’s actually quite liberating.”
World Hijab Day aims to foster personal freedom of religious expression and cultural understanding by inviting women to experience the hijab for one day. Through this initiative, Penny Appeal hopes to counteract controversies surrounding why Muslim women choose to wear the hijab and promote greater acceptance and respect for diverse religious practices.
On this World Hijab Day, Penny Appeal reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and promoting understanding and inclusion across cultures and religions. With Ridwana Wallace-Laher’s leadership, Penny Appeal looks forward to continuing its mission of making a positive impact in the lives of those in need around the world.
