The young women and girls of the Youth Activities Program of the Victoria Women’s Branch of the British Columbia Muslim Association—the “YAP”—welcome community opportunities to shine a light on their faith and experiences. These YAP ambassadors appreciate that a women’s choice to wear Hijab is not fully understood in Canada and elsewhere and are actively working to grow intercultural faith and awareness. At the Welcome Day Celebration for Newcomers and Immigrants in Victoria B.C., they proudly wear the sashes of their countries of origin, and glow under the diverse “umbrella of Islam.”

The Hijab Awareness Event was an opportunity to raise awareness about what the Hijab is and about the diverse cultures of the Muslim community that stand together all under the umbrella of Islam. The YAP girls brought forth another outstanding and elegant event, the third of its kind in the community. The youth were excited to showcase their cultural Hijab styles to the women-only audience open to the public.  ~Shazia Suleman Rashid, Women’s Board Youth Director, Masjid Al-Iman