I am Fatima, an 18 year old girl living in France. I always wanted to wear hijab. My father is a great man and he did not want me to wear the hijab only because all my cousins were wearing it. He taught me to think about the true meaning of hijab, and then wear it. I have been blessed with the decision of wearing it at the age of 16. My mom is a revert to Islam and she does not wear the hijab, neither does my sister. However, they have supported tremendously. Here in France, the conditions for hijabis (women who wear hijab) are very particular. We cannot wear the headscarf in schools and finding a job is almost impossible. In fact, many women have to remove the headscarf in order to earn money, or even to be present in their children's school life. I remember when I was in school; my heart broke each day when I had to show my hair. I felt naked. I now study journalism in Paris. I am the only hijabi in my university. To get the same results as the others, I have to work two, three, and four times harder; finding internships and asking people for an interview, wearing the hijab. Everything becomes more difficult. People do not see me simply as a student of journalism. They see me like the Hijabi studying journalism. I have been told that Islam would influence my writing. Well, it is who I am. Islam is a part of me. It would be the same if I was Christian, Jewish or atheist. Everyone has an influence. But alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), this only makes me stronger. I do not feel different. I feel French; a Muslim French obviously, but still French. Many people ask me, “Why don't you go study in London? You will have much more opportunities there.” My dream is to present the news one day. I have a 1% chance to succeed here but I will not give up. I used to think I would travel to the UK, but I I changed my mind. I should not have to leave this country. This is my country too; I will succeed here. Things have to change. World Hijab Day is an excellent event to spread awareness about hijab. My message to all girls out there, hijabi or not, do not put limits for yourself. Be proud of who you are. Be strong, be confident, smile and keep your head up. Love yourself and the world will love you. We cover what's ON our heads, not what's IN our heads.
