The first Muslim Women’s Day was March 27, 2017. MuslimGirl, an online network that allows the voices of Muslim women to be heard, began this holiday. As a young Muslim woman living in America, this holiday holds lots of meaning to me. You may be wondering why this holiday is needed.

For one, it allows Muslim women to speak up about their lives and answer any questions others may have. For example, some believe the hijab oppresses women and is mandatory for them to wear when in fact this is not the case in most Muslim countries. Women wear the hijab because to them it is liberating. They feel more like themselves when they wear it. Also, Muslim women do not have to wear the hijab. It is completely their choice whether they want to wear it or not.

Every year, the holiday has a theme. This year, the theme was “Muslim Women Talk Back to Violence.” Muslim women are one of the groups that experience the most harassment, especially in America. Once, my grandma had her hijab pulled off in a grocery store by an angry old man just because she accidentally hit him. Lots of Muslim women remove their hijab because they fear what could happen to them.

It is also a day to appreciate Muslim women. My friend posted an Instagram picture of me wishing me Happy Muslim Women Day. This day gives Muslim women recognition. This day allows their voices to be heard. This day makes us feel appreciated. This day is necessary.

There are many ways to be involved in Muslim Women’s Day. You can share or retweet the thoughts that Muslim women have shared on social media to spread awareness. Another way is posting a picture or message on social media with the hashtag. Another way is just by showing appreciation for your Muslim friends by posting pictures of them and writing a caption highlighting the day. Muslim women are talked about a lot in the media and now it is time for their voices to be heard.

They are a very oppressed group in America who face a lot of discrimination and it is about time we feel appreciated and valued.