The "Queen in Hijab" contest took place in Rome, Italy, specifically at the Islamic center, under the theme "Be a Queen in Hijab, Be a Role Model." This initiative was launched by Asia Belhaj, the president of the Muslim Women's Movement and author of "Beyond Hijab," and the judging panel consisted of several imams.
Belhaj, in collaboration with various associations and active women in civil society, aims to create an appropriate alternative to establish the true meaning of hijab, which is not just an Islamic attire, but "represents an identity for Muslim girls that they should take pride in among nations."
The contest aimed to encourage Muslim girls in Western society to wear hijab and to be role models for others, affirming that hijab does not hinder a woman's success. The organizers stated, "This initiative has come to address the challenges faced by Muslim girls amid the rising wave of hijab removal or the belief that it is a barrier to success or integration into non-Muslim communities."
The event concluded with the selection of three girls aged between 12 and 18 and four girls aged between 19 and 30, who were honored and awarded valuable prizes. This initiative is in its second edition, inviting all hijab-wearing girls residing in Italy, aged 12 to 18 and 19 to 30, to participate and compete for the title of "Queen in Hijab" in Italy for the year 2023.
Moving beyond external beauty standards, the judging panel relied on very specific and studied criteria, including the commitment criterion, ensuring that the winner would be a role model worth emulating, alongside reinforcing the true concept of hijab as accepted by God for Muslim women.
Belhaj stated in an interview with the National Media Agency: "The slogan 'Be a Queen in Hijab and Be a Role Model' has attracted many girls this year more than last year; this beautiful and significant initiative encourages us to move forward in achieving more initiatives."
The event, considered the first of its kind in Europe and Italy, was attended by notable figures, including the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Zainab Ahl Salem, Professor Fouad Auda, president of the Arab World community, Adel Amer, president of the Egyptian community, and representatives from the Italian-Arab Friendship Association, including Marwa Al-Khayal.
