Nike's Pro Hijab

by Nicolette Mehran

            As we all know, much of the Middle East follows the beliefs of Islam. In some countries, it is required by law that women cover themselves from head to toe, but in others, it is not, despite the fact that some women choose to cover themselves anyway. However, Muslim women are not just confined to the Middle East; they exist all around the world and are some of the most powerful, accomplished women in the world as well, taking on roles as government officials, activists, educators and scholars, and professional athletes. However, for athletes in particular, wearing a hijab can become quite difficult and cumbersome. But, Nike found a solution.

Ibtihaj Muhammad

            Professional fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first Muslim United States athlete to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab, paving the way for women to follow in her footsteps and empowering women around the world to be proud of their heritage and their beliefs. However, Muhammad has stated that, because of her modest Muslim apparel, she has had a hard time feeling like part of a team or finding clothing that was appropriately suited for athletic purposes. However, Nike, a company that knows how clothing can affect an athlete, has decided to take matters into its own hands and created what it calls a “Pro Hijab” for Muslim women that will be launched in Spring 2018. It is made of a breathable material that helps to wick away sweat, featuring an elastic band that allows for adjustment for various activities or wear underneath another athletic garment. This product was tested by several Middle Eastern women from various athletic fields such as Zahra Lari (a figure skater), Manal Rostom (a runner), and Amna Al Haddad (a weight-lifter). This hijab is part of Nike’s new campaign for Middle Eastern women that highlights five female professional athletes with the slogan “What will they say about you?”, a question many women in the region face on a regular basis.

Zahra Lari

Manal Rostom

            Day by day, women prove themselves to be smart, powerful, and worthy of everything the world has to offer, and Nike’s doing this is a great way to empower women across the Middle East, and across the world, to start believing in themselves more. Women deserve to have the same opportunities and rights that men have, regardless of their beliefs, abilities, knowledge, or gender. 

Sources

http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/07/news/nike-pro-hijab/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/08/fashion/nike-pro-hijab-muslim-athlete.html?_r=0

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetorch/2016/08/05/488435043/an-american-muslim-fencer-lunges-into-u-s-olympic-history-in-rio

http://www.dw.com/en/win-or-lose-nike-launches-pro-hijab/a-37869127