Global Pink Hijab Day Information - http://www.pinkhijabday.org/
From The Times in South Africa
Schoolgirl wants to paint country pink
Suthentira Govender Published:Oct 26, 2008
A Johannesburg schoolgirl is encouraging Muslim women to "go pink" to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
Humairah Jassat, a 17-year-old Grade 11 pupil at Azaadville Muslim School, has appealed to Muslim schoolgirls and women throughout South Africa to wear a pink hijab on Wednesday in support of Global Pink Hijab Day this week.
The initiative was started last year by Muslim women in the United States to raise awareness about the disease.
"October is a special month dedicated to breast cancer. With that in mind, I have initiated a South African version of Global Pink Hijab Day,' said Jassat.
"I was on the Internet recently and I stumbled on information about the Pink Hijab Day initiative. It really appealed to me. I thought this was an opportunity to make a change."
She was also motivated to start the project because of her personal experience.
"I know women who have been affected by breast cancer, some of whom have died. It has touched my life and I want people to be aware that nobody is immune to it. This is why I decided to take a stand."
She said the media portrayed Muslim women as being "oppressed and unable to help or educate others".
She believes her initiative will not only refute these perceptions, but also give Muslim women a platform to take a stand for a worthy cause.
"I believe by wearing a pink headscarf — which is a symbol of modesty for Muslim women — they will be showing support for breast cancer sufferers from all faiths, be it Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Jewish.
"I want to support my fellow women through this initiative, not just Muslim women."
Over the past two weeks, Jassat has been spreading word mainly among Muslim schools around the country.
"I have asked principals to allow their female teachers and pupils to wear pink headscarves on the day. So far, I have had an excellent response. Women have come out in support of wearing pink."
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