Road to stara fashion week: Climbing a career ladder with hijab

By The Guardian Newspaper Today, On page No. 27 G-Living 

“I have come across many women wearing hijab who were unable to progress beyond a certain level in their careers. On the other hand, we all see women who do not wear a hijab climb the career ladder with fair success, we live in a world where appearances often take precedence over a person’s skills. In such a superficial world, it is very difficult for women wearing the hijab to reach the positions that they aim for.  Very few hijab-wearing ladies have head a department or organization.” 

“In a nutshell, wearing a hijab can cause difficulties for women who are career-oriented. While this may make sense in western countries, it is sad that this trend exists everywhere. They are often held back from important positions, only because they choose to exercise their freedom of choice and wear a hijab.”
“I have been fortunate that my decision to wear the hijab – although laden with challenges – has earned me innumerable approvals. And apart from the approvals of people, my heart is content with the knowledge that I am covered in the way that I am supposed to be and that I am following in the blessed footsteps of the wives and daughters of the Prophet (pbuh).”
“Moreover, the hijab – instead of confining me – makes me feel free.”
“And I can surely say that contrary to what people assume about ‘hijabi’ women, I have gained more confidence and self-assurance now that I don the hijab as a regular practice.
“I am lucky that my hijab has not gotten in the way of my professional life and, in my opinion, clothing and accessories should not be used to restrict women from achieving their ambitions. It is simply a personal expression of faith and should be treated thus and nothing more.”
“Islam has ordained duties and responsibilities for both genders according to their capabilities. There is no doubt that the role of a woman is as necessary as that of a man for a society to progress in a balanced manner. We cannot be kept from contributing social, economic and spiritual development – especially on the basis of such absurd criteria as whether we cover their head or not.” She said
We have equal rights to men and women. both, men and women are required to strive for excellence in personal, academic, community and spiritual development. And the hijab was never meant to isolate women or keep them from achieving their goals. It is not meant to restrict women. On the contrary, it is meant to safeguard and protect them.”
“A hijab ensures modesty, keeps people from thinking immoral thoughts or approaching women in an inappropriate way. In this day and age, when women are subjected to numerous forms of harassment – at work, in social gatherings and in public places – the hijab actually helps keep such unwelcome advances at bay. how is this a bad thing, especially in the workplace?” - founder

Stara team have Establish an online group, Facebook page instagram account, blog and  e-group, they have also Launched survey monkey to map and register members of the community with the same vision, more over they have gone beyond Organizing event to bring together members of the community and use the event to discuss and agree on the future of the group and use the opportunity to celebrate achievements of hijabist and strategizing in handing challenges ahead. 

THE EVENT:

The event is dedicated to celebrate Modesty Fashion for Women in Tanzania. A place where women can be let to shop till their heart is content. At this event, Women are able to sample great food, Enjoy Modest fashion shows, seminars, relax, laugh and be entertained about things relating to life and well-being. The event which is scheduled for 1^st June – 5^th of June 2016,  will features fashion designers of abayas, jilbabs, jubbas, hijabs, bonnets, occasional modest wear and Islamic accessories and also boutiques owners of Modest outfits.

Stara Vision is to Initiate Modest life style and empower covered girls and to reach society by providing guidance to lead upright, peaceful and harmonious life for social development and at the same time creating revenue for young and upcoming modest wear designers and entrepreneurs.

STARA TANZANIA

STARA Tanzania is the voluntary community of diverse professional’s Muslim women, united by the passion of helping others and changing the landscape of Muslim women in Tanzania by showcasing talents, professions, capacities, abilities and successes of Muslim women in Tanzania.

STARA Tanzania intent to inspire millions of Muslim girls and women, and with evidence, teach muslim women, girls and non-Muslims that you can be professional and successful and yet be a proud muslim women.

STARA Tanzania have found ways to network, engage, support and advocate for the issues that matters to the professional Muslim women community and community at large.

Membership.
Muslim Women across diverse sectors and professions, eg, finance, legal, sport, politics, leadership, business, development, broadcasting are invited to join; contact us today 

starafashion1@gmail.com for more info.

Area of Focus
1. Networking
2. Sharing of opportunities
3. Experience and knowledge sharing
4. Inspiring and supporting young Muslim girls and women in need
5. Engaging to common purpose
6. Advocating and speaking for issue that matters

Thankful..