Women in New Zealand are donning a 'headscarf for harmony' to remember the mosque shooting victims

Source: CNN



By Lauren M. Johnson and Loumay Alesali, CNN 3 hrs ago

One week ago a gunman made his way into two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 50 people. On Friday, women across the country are donning a headscarf similar to a traditional hijab worn by Muslim women to show their support for the victims and the religion.

Wearing a hijab is an Islamic tradition that many Muslim women decide to practice. In most cultures it makes Muslim women more recognizable and serves as a sign of identity. Similar to clothing worn by nuns and Orthodox Jewish women, a hijab symbolizes Islamic women's devotion to God and commitment to their religion.

For non-Muslim women, wearing a headscarf to remember fallen fellow residents symbolizes love, strength and unity in a dark hour. Several New Zealand women spoke to CNN about why they decided to take part in the movement.

'This attack does not define us'
Cherie Hailwood, 24: "These people are New Zealanders, just like I am. I understand that one day is very different to wearing it all the time, but I am honored to be given the permission of the Muslim community to walk in their shoes. Even just for a day. ... One bad egg doesn't represent Australia, one bad egg doesn't represent New Zealand. This terrible attack does not define us."


Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/women-in-new-zealand-are-donning-a-headscarf-for-harmony-to-remember-the-mosque-shooting-victims/ar-BBV4SM0?li=BBnb7Kz