The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has warned against discrimination against Muslim women wearing Hijab.
Hajia Biliqees Oladimeji, the FOMWAN National Publicity Coordinator, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Muslim Women on Sunday joined their counterparts around the world to celebrate 2021 World Hijab Day.
Oladimeji advised governments at all levels, corporate bodies and individuals to rise above prejudice and bigotry, and stop the harassment and discrimination against Hijab-wearing women.
She disclosed that a coalition of Muslim women, involving 10 organisations in Kwara will join FOMWAN to mark the day on Monday, Feb 1.
“This is to create awareness that it is illegal to discriminate, harass or humiliate someone else on account of their religious dress code; it is also unfair, unjust and inhuman to do so.
“It is important for everyone to respect the Muslim women’s choice to dress in accordance with the dictates of their religion; to live and let live.
“Since the use of the hijab is not only Islamically instructed but also legally approved, it is important for everyone to rise above pettiness and sentiments”.
“It is imperative for public and private institutions, government agencies, employers, and indeed every individual, Muslims and non-Muslims, to respect the Muslim women’s hijab as a choice they made premised on faith and dignity.
“Irrespective of your faith, it is important to stand for justice irrespective of the religious affiliation of the oppressor,” Oladimeji said.
She added that FOMWAN expects that, from this day onwards, Muslim women in hijab will no longer be victimized.
Oladimeji said the dress of a Muslim woman is an expression of her religious belief and as such must be protected as one of her fundamental human rights.