Racial equality: Learn about the Islamic tradition of Hijab

Difference in appearance, and visible traditional wear (and more importantly, a lack of awareness about them) have been a leading cause of racial incidents in schools. For example, Muslim girls who wear ‘hijabs’ (head scarves), Sikh boys who wear dastaar (turbans), and Jewish boys who wear yarmulkes report being targeted because of these visible symbols of their religions. According to research by an anti-bullying campaign they are most likely to have experienced racism by about the age of 13

Our ‘Racial Equality’ series aims to create awareness about the traditions and practices in different cultures. Local presenters from the countries where a particular tradition originates or is practised explain the history and practise of a particular traditional wear.

On this session, students and teachers will learn about the different types of veils used by women in the Muslim community.

The hijab is one of the most prevalent distinguishing feature of Muslim women. A traditional, once mandatory garment, it is a headscarf that the modern day Muslim women decide whether or not to wear. During this session, our presenter will give you a brief history of the origin of the Hijab. You will learn about the different types of hijabs- namely the ‘burqa’ which covers the entirety of the wearer’s face, the ‘niqab’ which covers the face from the nose to chin and the ‘manzila’, which is a fashionable hijab worn as a pashmina wrap.

As part of the session, the presenter will invite attendees to try the hijab. This is a highly interactive session where students can ask the presenter queries about the subject.

Disclaimer: Please note that our sessions focus on customs & traditions and not religion. These sessions and are aimed at creating awareness and therefore respect for other cultures and do not promote religious beliefs.

This session accommodates up to 50 students. Once you book this experience, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to join the session.  Students and teachers can log in from their individual classes or congregate in one single class/hall and access the tour via the link provided.