The hijab is more than just a piece of fabric, it’s a symbol of strength, identity and empowerment for countless women around the world. Across the globe, countless women have embraced the hijab as a symbol of empowerment, challenging stereotypes and reshaping narratives in fiels from sports to politics, fashion to science.
Here are a few remarkable women whose journeys highlight the power of wearing the hijab with pride:
Ibtihaj Muhammad (USA)
Ibtihaj Muhammad made headlines around the world as the first American Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab. A sabre fencer on Team USA, she won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making history and shattering expectations.
As an advocate for diversity in sports, she has opened doors for young Muslim girls who once flet invisible in athletic spaces.
Ibtihab also worked with Mattel to inspire the first-ever hijab-wearing Barbie, showing that representation matters from the playground to the podium.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
"My hijab is a reflection of my commitment to my faith, my identity and my voice"
Halima Aden
"I had to be the change I wanted to see? I chose hijab and I'm proud of it."
Halima Aden (Somalia & USA)
Born in refugee camp in Kenya and raised in Minnesota, Halima Aden became a global icon when she walked the runway wearing a hijab at New York Fashion Week as the first model to do so.
Signed by IMG Models, Halima went on to appear on the covers of Vogue, Allure, Elle and walked for designers like Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti.
She proudly wore Burkina and hijabs in photo shoots, challenging the fashion world's ,narrow standards of beauty.
In 2020, Halima made another bold move by stepping away from high fashion to stay true to her values, choosing campaigns that respect her modesty.
Dr. Haifaa Younis (Saudi Arabia & USA)
Dr.Haifaa Younis is a physician-turned-islamic scholar and founder of Hannah institute, an educational platform dedicated to teaching women the Quran, Hadith and self-development through faith.
Based in the U.S. and trained both medically and in Islamic scholarship, she bridges modern life and spiritual growth with grace.
Through lectures and workshops, she inspires thousands of women to embrace their hijab as sign of dignity, not limitation.
Her message centers on self-worth, purpose and reconnecting with one's Creator all while celebrating the beauty and meaning of modesty.
Dr. Haifaa Younis
"The hijab is a crown, not a constraint"
Ilhan Omar
Ilhan Omar (Somalia & USA)
U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar made history in 2018 when she became one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first to wear a hijab in Congress.
Her presence in one of the world's most visible political arenas has inspired Muslim women globally.
She champions policies on social justice, human rights and women's empowerment, reminding the world that modesty and political power can go hand in hand.
Ilhan Omar's hijab is a constant visual reminder of her identity and her unapologetic advocacy proves that representation truly matters.
Dina Tokio (UK)
British-Egyptian influencer Dina Tokio (Dina Torkia) is one of the earliest hijab fashion bloggers to gain international attention on Youtube and Instagram.
Her content, which mixes modest fashion hauls, motherhood and personal reflection has built a loyal following.
Dina's memoir, "Modesty", candidly explores her life as a visibly Muslim woman navigating media, culture and expectations.
Though she ha since evolved in how she wears the hijab, her transparency and boldness continue to spark honest conversations about faith, freedom and evolving identity.
Dina Tokio
Final Thoughts
The stories of these women show us that wearing the hijab is not a barrier, it is often a bridge: to opportunity, to resilience, to meaningful change.
They represent different paths, backgrounds and choice, but all share a common thread: the courage to be visible in a world that often misunderstands them.
As the modest fashion movement grows and more voices rise, it becomes increasingly clear:
Hijab is not the end of possibility, it's often the beginning.
