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In more than 140 countries of the world, numerous actions are held in February for World Hijab Day. An event dedicated to the Muslim hijab was also held in Kyiv on February 4.

Activists of the League of Muslim Women of Ukraine invited guests to the capital's Islamic cultural center to tell them about the hijab in the life of a Muslim woman.

Volunteers began to gather even before the start of the event. At 12:00 p.m., there were quite a few women, Muslim and non-Muslim, in one of the spacious premises of the ICC.

The event traditionally began with the reading of the verse of the Holy Quran:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their hidden adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those bondwomen in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.”

The program, which was organized by the activists of the women's organization "Maryam", consisted of: contests, quizzes, a lecture on the hijab, a master class on various methods of tying a hijab.

The non-Muslim women had the opportunity to meet the followers of Islam and discuss the problems they face. According to Amal Tkachenko, the head of the social organization "Maryam", many people believe that freedom of choice for Muslim women is not the freedom to observe the precepts of religion, but rather the desire to undress:

“Many are surprised that Muslim women defend the right to cover their bodies. And thank God that the appearance of a Muslim woman is becoming more understandable and familiar to society, but many questions remain.”

As Ms. Amal pointed out, some of the present non-Muslim women were quite well acquainted with the history of Islam and the essence of the creed, so it can be said that such cultural and educational events have an effect.

One of the guests of the event was the representative of the Embassy of Pakistan, Mrs. Samira Jawad. She thanked the organizers for the invitation and told what wearing a hijab means to her:

“This is my protection in the sense that the people around me see me as a Muslim and understand that I cannot be treated [the way] they are used to treating women. It is the protection of my personal space, it is a boundary and a demand for respect for these boundaries, it is a sign that I am submissive to the law of the Almighty. I protect myself from excessive male attention. <...> I consider the organization of this event an invaluable opportunity to convey [information] to society about the true status of women in Islam."

A Muslim fashion show was held at the end of the Hijab Day program. Girls in the national clothes of Muslim peoples came out on an improvised podium - the audience greeted them with applause.

The organizers did not forget about the popular mehendi painting (painting with henna on the body) - those who wish could decorate their hands with exquisite patterns.

For each correct answer, quiz participants received an eco-bag and a craft marshmallow made by Amal Tkachenko. No less interesting for those who came was the stand with Islamic literature and booklets. You could take anything from the offered books for free. Conversations over tea with milk, sweets and fruits, of course, became the most pleasant part of the event, full of friendliness and sincere hospitality.