Georgia State students wore hijabs for a day to show their unity with Islamic women.
The Zealous Zeta Chapter of Theta Nu XI Multicultural Sorority at Georgia State collaborated with the Muslim Student Association (MSA) to host their second annual event, “Scarves in Solidarity,” on Feb. 24 and 25.
Scarves in Solidarity is a two-day event that focuses on exploring the life behind the hijab, immersing Georgia State students into the culture of Islam by wearing one for a day.
Zeta Vice President Tanisha Allen said this event brings awareness to Georgia State’s campus by introducing students to Islamic culture.
“Islam is a really beautiful religion,” she said. “This event is to help students learn about a culture that they otherwise would not have been exposed to.”
Deana Mounajjed, the marketing director of MSA and a Georgia State student, gave a presentation the first night on the culture of Islam and the life of a Muslim woman wearing a hijab.
“Hijab is a very open topic that is open for discussion, and it is kind of hard to define it with one definition. Essentially, that leads to a lot of misconceptions,” she said.
Georgia State student Mariam Desouky, one of the guest speakers, said she was widely welcomed and accepted by the campus culture when she wore a hijab.
“I wore the Hijab just a few years ago when I actually came to Georgia State University,” she said. “The reason I wore it was because it was a sign that I officially embraced Islam, and I chose Islam as my way of life. Georgia State has a great support system here among students due to diversity. I never felt different.”
During the second night of Scarves in Solidarity, participants reflected on their experiences in the hijab experience, the lessons they learned.
“The students discussed some of the things they didn’t realize bonded them,” Allen said, “They were able to see that all women struggle with confidence. They were also able to talk about cultural differences. Those who tried the hijab were enlightened by the hijabi points of view.”
