Uniting launches uniform hijab as part of Harmony Week
One of Australia’s largest Christian community services providers is introducing an optional uniform hijab for practicing Muslim women in its 12,000-strong workforce.
Uniting NSW.ACT’s new hijabs in light grey and lillypilly colour are made from polyester georgette and have been co-designed by staff who asked for light breathable fabric that was cool, comfortable and flattering.
A Lebanese Australian Muslim and specialist coach in Uniting’s community team, Fatemah Daizli, has embraced the brighter hijab which she says will have special appeal for staff who work with children.
“Having a corporate hijab shows how inclusive Uniting is. No matter what people's beliefs are, Uniting respects and embraces them and their culture” Ms Daizli says.
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care to serve humanity by creating an inclusive, connected and just world.
Uniting is a uniquely Australian Christian church formed in 1977 from the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches.
Uniting NSW.ACT CEO Tracey Burton says, “providing an on-brand hijab for staff who identify as Muslim is a deliberate act of inclusion.”
“Inclusion is just the starting point. It’s more than inviting employees to ‘come as you are’—it’s about truly embracing, respecting, and celebrating the diverse cultures, customs, and religious traditions of our people and those we support. At Uniting we want every employee to feel safe, empowered and confident to bring their full identity to work with pride”, Mrs Burton says.
Bangladeshi Australian Muslim and Chair of Uniting’s Cultural Diversity Network, Shami Moon Nahar, says through the design process she discovered how Muslim women embrace their hijab as a tool of personal expression.
“In Australia we have Muslim women from so many countries, and we all wear our hijabs slightly differently, I am from Bangladesh but my style also resembles women from Indonesia,” Nahar says.
Uniting NSW.ACT Director of Mission, Reverend Suzanne Stanton, is delighted by the new uniform items in an organisation that recently held a combined celebration of Shrove Tuesday, Lunar New Year and Ramadan.
“In the Uniting Church we are called to bear witness to a faith that serves humanity and creates an inclusive, connected and just world. Uniting’s grey and lillypilly Hijabs are a visible expression of that respect and inclusion,” Rev Stanton says.
ENDS
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About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through community services, spiritual care social impact and advocacy. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Annabel McGilvray
Manager Media and Public Affairs
0403 385 411
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