Thousands of Muslims across Ghana on Saturday staged a street protest against hijab discrimination.
The peaceful march took place in key cities across the country’s 15 regions.
Most of the protesters were young Muslims who are pushing for total end to all forms of discrimination against the wearing of the hijab or the Islamic headscarf.
They were joined by other prominent Muslim leaders in pushing for reforms.
There have been reports of Muslim young women in Ghana facing discrimination and challenges wearing their hijab to work places and in schools.
Nurses in Ghana have been the most affected as they are told the hijab is not part of the prescribed attire for their profession.
? “Hijab is our identity
We are bold
We are beautiful
We are intelligent
We can work in your companies.
We are bankers
We are teachers
We are lawyers
We are inventers
We are future leaders
We are EVERYTHING!”?? #HijabIsAnIdentity #BeingMuslimInGhana #Ghana #Accra pic.twitter.com/eCcE370kvT
— Jemila Abdulai – #GhanaReturnees ??? (@jabdulai) October 12, 2019
Recently a WAEC invigilator asked a Muslim candidate to take off her veil before sitting for a paper.
The development once again drew condemnation from Muslim organizations and opinion leaders.
Saturday’s march according to organizers is part of a campaign dubbed #Myhijabmyidentity to create awareness about the institutional discrimination against Muslim ladies in that country.
Advocacy on social media
Some Muslims have been projecting the campaign on social media as well.
?? Today I stand with my Muslim sisters who choose to wear the veil. Wearing a hijab is NOT illegal in #Ghana nor does it affect a woman’s ability to be professional or do her work. Stop asking women to remove their #hijab. #HijabIsAnIdentity #Ghana #BeingMuslimInGhana pic.twitter.com/sBWUI7arJ1
— Jemila Abdulai – #GhanaReturnees ??? (@jabdulai) October 12, 2019
The protesters submitted petitions to government officials, demanding the respect of the rights of Muslims to wear their hijab.
The hijab according to many Muslims represents their identity and must not be the basis of discrimination.
Source: Africafeeds.com
