Muslim Health Workers Create ‘Hygienic Hijab’ to Address Workplace Inclusion
As wearers of the hijab, they observed how existing personal protective equipment (PPE) options did not accommodate Muslim women’s needs, often forcing healthcare workers to bring multiple head coverings for each shift.
This gap in PPE options led Adam and Samatar to launch Mawadda in 2022, introducing the “Hygienic Hijab,” a product designed with both safety and religious requirements in mind.
The patented hijab is manufactured in the U.S. and meets FDA compliance standards. According to its website, the Hygienic Hijab is breathable, offers a snug fit, and is easy to wear, catering specifically to Muslim women working in clinical environments.
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Adam and Samatar first met at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they studied respiratory care.
They shared similar experiences and challenges as first-generation students and as Muslim women traveling across the country for work.
In interviews with CBS, they recalled a moment when they noticed the availability of beard covers in hospitals and wondered why comparable options didn’t exist for hijabs.
The mission behind Mawadda is to foster greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare settings. Samatar and Adam believe that their product helps create a more supportive work environment for Muslim women in medicine. “When the hijab is available, it sends a message to Muslim women that they are valued and supported in the workplace,” Samatar explained.
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The Hygienic Hijab is currently offered in two styles—pullover and wrap—and is sold in packs of ten. Looking ahead, Mawadda plans to expand its product line to include modest scrubs, such as skirts and dresses, to further address the needs of Muslim women in healthcare.
Source: Agencies
