One with the BARMM and the whole world, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development showcased its firm support to the observance of World Hijab Day (WHD) 2023, with the theme “Progression, Not Oppression” and the #UnapologeticHijabi.

“World Hijab Day is a significant event not just for the Bangsamoro, but also for all the Muslims around the world. This event creates more awareness on the importance of hijab, and it gives more confidence to all Muslim women who opt to wear hijab,” shared Zuhaira U. Ebrahim, MHSD Gender and Development Focal Person.

“The MHSD, led by Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, has been very supportive of this event, especially its essence. Alhamdulillah, we always feel the support of our management in wearing hijab and modest clothing. In our workplace, we never felt any discriminated wearing our crown, the hijab. This shows that the MHSD really embraces development and progression. Indeed, our hijab is progression and never an oppression,” she emphasized.

World Hijab Day is celebrated every first of February in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty, shared Ustadha Anisa A. Taha, Consultant of the Bangsamoro Women Commission.

Female attendees of the event, including the MHSD representatives, wore a variation of green veils to show their unity with the rest of the BARMM during the program.

The activity, spearheaded by the BWC, was held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center Cotabato City.

Messages were shared throughout the program, beginning with welcome remarks from Bainon G. Karon, BWC Chairperson, followed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim via video, Prof. Raby Angkal, BTA Secretary General, Sheikh Mohammad Taib Pangca, Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’, Pio “Malik” Hidalgo, representative of Sen. Abdulazis Robinhood Padilla, Prof. Hashim M. Manticayan of the League of Bangsamoro Organization, and representatives of some Members of the Parliament.