Bangsamoro champions hijab as a symbol of empowerment, identity, and faith

DAVAO  CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting religious freedom, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment as it marked World Hijab Day 2025 on Monday, February 3.

The annual observance brought together Bangsamoro women from various ministries and agencies, emphasizing that the hijab is not just a piece of clothing but a profound expression of faith, identity, and strength.

Hijab as Resistance and Representation

With the theme #HijabisUnsilenced, this year’s World Hijab Day underscored the hijab’s role in defying stereotypes and reclaiming narratives, highlighting it as an act of faith and resistance against discrimination and societal biases.

Hadja Bainon G. Karon, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Women’s Commission (BWC), emphasized the spiritual and personal significance of the hijab in her opening remarks.

“The hijab is not just a piece of cloth; it is a symbol of our faith, our identity, and our unwavering connection to Almighty Allah (SWT),” she said, calling on the BARMM community to stand in solidarity and embrace the diversity of Islamic heritage.

The event’s keynote speaker, Mashel Khadija (popularly known as Queenie Padilla), shared her personal journey to Islam and how embracing the hijab became a source of strength in her life.

“Wearing the hijab is first and foremost an act of obedience to Allah (SWT). It offers both physical security, protecting women from sexual objectification, and spiritual security,” Padilla explained.

She also emphasized that World Hijab Day serves as a platform for education and advocacy, ensuring that women can choose to wear the hijab without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

“This day is incredibly close to my heart. It is an opportunity to spread awareness, educate others, and advocate for women’s right to wear the hijab freely. We must create spaces where women can express their faith without judgment,” she added.

A talk show segment hosted by Princess Habiba Paudac, a TV and radio host from Radyo Natin Pilipinas, served as a key highlight of the event. The interactive discussion allowed Padilla and attendees to share experiences, reflections, and insights about the hijab’s role in shaping identity and spiritual growth.

The event concluded with messages of support from representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), youth groups, and the academic sector, reinforcing a unified stance on the right to religious expression.

In line with its commitment to religious inclusivity and women’s rights, BARMM continues to support House Bills No. 1363 and 3725, which aim to declare February 1 as National Hijab Day in the Philippines.

World Hijab Day was first launched in 2013 by Nazma Khan, a Bangladeshi Muslim woman, to encourage women of all backgrounds to experience wearing the hijab and foster cultural acceptance and understanding.

With growing advocacy from Bangsamoro leaders and Muslim women, the hijab movement continues to break barriers, challenge misconceptions, and promote a future where women can wear the hijab freely and proudly.-With a report from BIO