Hijab: Coalition raises concerns over discrimination of members

Coalition urges government to protect religious dress rights

Group says hijab-wearing women face barriers in public life

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women (CNMW) held the press briefing for the 13th edition of World Hijab Day in Abuja, highlighting the ongoing advocacy for Muslim women’s rights, unity, and religious freedom, ahead of the public lecture scheduled for February 1.

The briefing, held at Fou’ad Islamic Academy, Abuja, brought together members of the press, representatives of civil society organizations and stakeholders in women’s empowerment initiatives.

Opening the session, a representative of the Coalition cited Qur’an Chapter 33, verse 59, emphasizing the hijab as a marker of identity, protection, and unity for Muslim women. “No matter the gathering, a Muslim woman adorned in hijab is known and recognized as a Muslim. This signifies identity, protection, and undeniable unity,” the speaker said.

The Coalition unites a broad network of organizations, including Women in Da’awah, FOMWAN, Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, NASFAT, JADAFIA, Criterion, Ansaruddeen, MESH, AMIS Abuja, Abuja Muslim Forum, Al-Mu’minat, An-nisa Foundation, Sisters of Jannah, Initiative for Muslim Sisters, Hidaya Islamic Charity, and the Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (FCT). The coalition has hosted World Hijab Day in Nigeria since 2014 and supports education and empowerment programs for women and children in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Abuja, including Durumi, Karmajiji, and Dakwa.

This year’s World Hijab Day, themed #UnityinHijab, will feature a public lecture titled “The Hijab: A Sign of Sisterhood and Unity” on February 1 at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a Hijab Awareness Campaign at Millennium Parkon February 8.

During the briefing, the Coalition highlighted key achievements of its advocacy over the past 12 editions, including legal recognition of the hijab in Nigerian schools and institutions, and support from the Nigerian Police Force, which since 2022 allows female officers to wear the hijab as part of their uniform. It also cited international examples of policy change, including accommodations for hijabs in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Norway, and Scotland.

PEACE Magazine learned that the Coalition plans to formally propose an overhaul of the NYSC uniform to ensure Muslim female corps members can wear longer hijabs and compliant trousers during the national service year, a move intended to eliminate ongoing harassment and discrimination.

The Coalition stressed ongoing challenges, including restrictions in some Nigerian teaching hospitals, inadequate NYSC uniform allowances, and societal barriers faced by women choosing to wear the hijab. Representatives called for reforms to ensure Muslim female corps members can wear longer, compliant hijabs and avoid harassment.

In addition, the briefing emphasized support for reverts, legislative action to safeguard religious rights, and community-led empowerment programs connecting young Muslim women with mentorship, skills training, and leadership opportunities.

According to the Coalition, success stories from universities across Nigeria demonstrate the hijab as a symbol of resilience and achievement rather than restriction, with hijab-wearing students excelling academically and professionally.

The press conference concluded with a call for media support in amplifying positive narratives, ensuring fair representation of hijab-wearing women, and continued collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies, religious institutions, and NGOs.

The Coalition expressed gratitude to all participants, the media, and federal agencies supporting its initiatives, including the Ministry of Education, National Youth Service Corps, Council of Legal Education, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, National Assembly, and other state and non-governmental organizations.

The Coalition said the press briefing marks the first day of a week-long series of events, which began with visits to schools and media houses on January 26 and 30 and will continue through February 8 with the public lecture and awareness campaign on February 1st, by Malama Zaynab Jibril, titled “The Hijab: A Sign of Sisterhood and Unity.”

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