World Hijab Day 2025: A Journey of Strength and Community
Written by: Amina Mukhtar, Concentric Program Manager at Treetops Collective.
2025 did not begin an easy year, but with the support of my Treetops community and the Masjid ICC Behar community, we were able to host a powerful World Hijab Day event. What started as a small idea in 2023 grew into a gathering of over 180 people in 2025—individuals of different ages, ethnicities, cultures, and religions, all coming together in unity.
As I reflect on this journey, I remember the uncertainty I felt when I first considered hosting this event in 2023. The idea seemed impossible, and I felt alone in the struggle. But with Treetops by my side, everything changed. They believed in me, supported me, and made what once felt heavy suddenly feel light.
We were hosting at a friend’s house, which meant guests had to park far away, and we needed a way to bring everyone together. Organizing this for just 60 people felt overwhelming. But Treetops showed up, trusted me, and gave me the confidence to lead. That trust made me feel seen, valued, and empowered.
A Beautiful Partnership with Masjid ICC Behar
This year, partnering with Masjid ICC Behar brought me so much happiness, love, and a deep sense of togetherness. As a Muslim woman from Africa working with the Bosnian community, I felt truly welcomed as a sister. They showed kindness, supported the event, and shared their history and identity as Muslims. Their love and generosity made this event even more special for everyone.
Why World Hijab Day Chose Me
World Hijab Day was not something we created at Treetops. It began in New York, founded by a woman who was bullied in high school for choosing to wear the hijab. But this year, as I hosted, I realized that World Hijab Day had also chosen me—at a time when I was struggling as a hijabi mother, hoping my own daughter would accept me.
I have worn my hijab for years, but my journey has not been easy. I was bullied as a teenager, and now, as a mother raising two daughters, I worry about their confidence. My oldest daughter, once proud of our culture, suddenly became ashamed of my hijab. She no longer wanted to wear it like "Mommy." At the playground, at school conferences, even at the pool—I was often the only one in a hijab, and she started noticing. Sometimes, she would try to pull my hijab off.
At first, I didn’t understand. Before preschool, she loved her heritage and wanted to be like me. But suddenly, she was embarrassed. I kept asking myself, Why is my baby ashamed?
A Powerful Moment of Strength
This year, during World Hijab Day, young girls her age came together, sharing their experiences and empowering one another. I listened as they spoke words of encouragement, lifting each other up.
Then, my daughter said something that stopped me in my tracks:
"If someone throws your hijab in the trash, just pick it up, clean it, and wear it again."
Hearing her say this made me wonder—had this happened to her? Had someone made her feel small for wearing her hijab? Was this why she had changed?
In that moment, I realized the power of this event. World Hijab Day is more than just wearing a scarf; it’s about standing tall in who we are. It’s about creating a safe space for our daughters, our sisters, and our friends to be proud of their identities.
The Magic of Community
One of the most beautiful moments of the event was seeing our non-Muslim neighbors stand with us, offering their support and solidarity. This is the magic of World Hijab Day—a day where we create opportunities to learn, grow, and embrace our differences with understanding and respect.
Through this event, we were reminded that community is not just about shared beliefs but about shared humanity. Together, we broke barriers, built connections, and empowered each other to stand tall in our identities. And that is the true essence of World Hijab Day.
Sanela’s Reflection
"Did you know there are over 16,000 Bosniaks living in the Grand Rapids area? We are fortunate to be part of this community and to have had the pleasure of connecting with Treetops. Our sister Aldina serves as a board member for Treetops, and we, Sanela and Irma, had the honor of working with them to design their beautiful new space—a place where all women can feel included, loved, and beautiful. Our connection to Treetops has taught us so much about resilience and the importance of sharing who we are with immense pride. We are so excited and proud to be here today at our masjid to welcome you all to the celebration of World Hijab Day. This is a time to share our stories, our love for one another, our unity—and, of course, delicious food!” — Sanela
Reflections from Our Guests
To truly capture the impact of this day, we asked our guests:
What is one thing you learned or will remember most from today?
🟣 "I learned a little more about the Bosnian genocide and culture. I will remember working alongside you the most!"
🟣 "I learned that respect and understanding between cultures are very important, and I will always remember how people embraced and appreciated our traditions."
🟣 “The power of a space where people feel welcome. The strength and resilience for hijabis.”
Anything else you wish to share?
🟣 "I'm grateful for this event and the chance to see people learning about and respecting the hijab. It was a beautiful experience!"
🟣 "Let’s make World Hijab Day 2026 even bigger and better!"
