WATCH: Rappler girls tried the Hijab. Did they like it?

Law student and Hijabi advocate Sweenee Sajili visited the Rappler office with a bag of Hijabs and Abayas to let our girls try them on and raise awareness for World Hijab Day. How did it go? Watch the video to find out

The Hijab is a head scarf commonly worn by Muslim women around the world. The World Hijab Day proudly celebrates the multitude of identities represented by Hijabis across different countries and cultures, while also challenging the stereotypes they face on a daily basis both online and offline.

Are they oppressed?

For many Muslim women, wearing the Hijab is often seen as the embodiment of freedom — the freedom to decide what the world can see of her. It also is a voluntary act to wear such, said Sajili, a decision which most often comes after weeks, sometimes years of reflection.

“It’s an obligation,” noted Rappler reporter Bea Cupin while trying the Hijab on, “but it’s an obligation you make by choice.”

Every Hijabi has her own Journey

“Each individual Hijabi has her own story,” shared Sajili, as to when and how the decision to wear the head covering came about. The journey, she says, is made more difficult by external factors, “especially when you live in [a country like] the Philippines, where you’ll be prejudiced.”

Islamophobia steadily rose since the 2000s after the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York, USA. After the event, frustrated American public and politicians directed their anger towards Iraq, the greater Middle East, and subsequently the Muslim world.

Despite recent events like Israel’s siege on Gaza, the number of followers of the Islamic faith is actually rising. It is projected to be the largest religion by 2075, a study suggests.

“It’s a journey because you have to accept those things, and at the same time you have to know why you’re wearing this” highlighted Sajili. “It’s gonna be your answer every day.”

How about you? Have you tried wearing the Hijab or any other religious attire? How did it make you feel?

A communications student, Yanna, who tried the Hijab and Abaya for the first time said “this is how it feels like to be a woman.”