International Purple Hijab Day

Visibility, choice, and the right to be yourself

International Purple Hijab Day is about visibility, understanding, and respect. It is a day that centres Muslim women and girls, and creates space for conversations about faith, choice, and identity — conversations that are often shaped by misunderstanding or assumption.

Wearing a hijab can mean many different things. For some women, it is an expression of faith. For others, it is about culture, identity or belonging. What matters most is choice. A hijab worn freely is very different from one worn through pressure or fear and recognising that difference is essential.

Purple, the colour of this day, symbolises dignity, courage, and resilience. It reflects the strength of women who continue to navigate public spaces while carrying the weight of judgement, stereotypes, or discrimination.

Being seen, not spoken over

Many Muslim women speak about feeling visible in the wrong ways. Their clothing is often discussed before their voices are heard. Assumptions are made about who they are, what they believe, or how much freedom they have, without ever asking them directly.

International Purple Hijab Day encourages listening instead of assuming. It reminds us that Muslim women are not a single story. Their experiences are diverse, personal, and shaped by many factors, including family, community, culture, and individual belief.

Respect begins when women are allowed to define themselves.

Choice must always be central

At Anah Project, choice sits at the heart of our work. Whether it is about clothing, relationships, faith, or safety, every woman has the right to make decisions about her own life.

It is important to acknowledge that some women experience control in the name of tradition or honour. In these situations, the issue is not the hijab itself, but the removal of choice. Supporting women means supporting their right to decide freely — to wear it, or not to wear it — without fear of punishment, shame, or harm.

A woman’s faith should never be used as a tool of control.

Standing alongside Muslim women

International Purple Hijab Day is also about solidarity. It is about creating environments where Muslim women feel safe, respected, and supported, whether they wear a hijab or not.

For Black and minoritised Muslim women, experiences of racism, Islamophobia, and gender-based abuse can overlap. This makes compassionate, culturally aware support especially important. Feeling understood can be the difference between silence and seeking help.

At Anah Project, we are committed to offering inclusive, trauma-informed support that recognises the complexity of women’s lives and identities.

Small actions matter

Wearing purple, sharing a conversation, or taking time to learn can feel small, but these actions help challenge harmful stereotypes and create more welcoming spaces. Change often begins with listening and a willingness to reflect.

International Purple Hijab Day is an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves how we can show respect more consistently, how we can centre women’s voices, and how we can stand alongside those who are too often spoken about instead of spoken with.

Every woman deserves to be seen as a whole person — with dignity, choice, and the freedom to live as herself.