Local residents will have a chance to learn about hijabs and even try one on at World Hijab Day Saturday at Peter Pond Mall.
The second worldwide celebration of the holiday, this year it’s being held in Fort McMurray in part to speak out about Quebec’s Bill 60, which aims to take religion out of the public sector by banning employees from wearing symbols of their religion.
The event recognizes Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, a headscarf worn while in the presence of adult men who aren’t in their immediate family.
“We want everyone to come and try on a hijab,” Kiran Malik-Khan, the organizer of the event, said in a release. “The biggest stereotype out there is that Muslim women are forced to wear a hijab, which isn’t true. The hijab is an emblem of our modesty, honour and beauty. We wear it because we embrace it with pride.”
As part of Saturday’s event, anyone can try on a hijab and learn more about the faith and the story behind the veil. It will take place at Peter Pond Mall from 12 to 4 p.m., with a special presentation at 1:30 p.m.