FOMWAN joins global observance of World Hijab Day
National Amirah urges inclusion, religious tolerance and respect for Muslim women
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has joined Muslim women and rights advocates around the world to mark World Hijab Day 2026, an annual observance held on Feb. 1 to promote understanding, dignity and freedom of religious expression for Muslim women.
World Hijab Day highlights the hijab as a symbol of faith, modesty and identity, while challenging misconceptions surrounding Muslim women and their decision to wear it.
As part of the commemoration, FOMWAN chapters across Nigeria’s states and local government areas organised lectures, community outreaches, media engagements and sensitisation programmes to educate the public on what the group described as the Islamic basis and significance of the hijab.
In a goodwill message to members, FOMWAN’s National Amirah, Dr Fadimatu Sumaye Hamza, congratulated Muslim women for observing the day and urged them to continue projecting the values of Islam with dignity and confidence.
She called on Muslim women to “carry the banner of respect” by showcasing the beauty of Islam and the honour of the Muslim woman through her hijab, while appealing to workplaces and educational institutions to create inclusive environments where women can practise their faith without fear of discrimination, harassment or prejudice.
Hamza stressed the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s diverse society, urging mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Addressing common stereotypes, she said Muslim women are comfortable in hijab and do not see it as a burden, adding that wearing the hijab does not hinder productivity or personal achievement. She noted that many hijab-wearing women have excelled and earned recognition in various professional fields.
The National Amirah encouraged FOMWAN members to remain committed to the organisation’s mission and to continue serving as positive ambassadors of Islam within their communities.
“May Allah reward your efforts and grant you the strength and commitment to fly the flag of FOMWAN in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.
FOMWAN is one of Nigeria’s largest Muslim women’s organisations, with chapters nationwide, and is active in advocacy, education and community development.
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