In the implementation of its scheduled activities, Malian Union of Veiled Women for the Promotion of Societal Values (UMAFEV-PVS), in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, and UJMMA, celebrated the 5th edition of the national day of “Hijab” called “Hijab Day”, this Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Carrefour des Jeunes in Bamako.
It was under the patronage of Cheick Mohamed Macki Bah, president of the Union of Young Muslims of Mali, who had the honor of being represented by Mrs Haïdara Djeneba Sy, president of the women’s unit of UJMMA, accompanied Mrs. Diarra Adam Koné, President of UMAFEV-PVS, Mrs. Aïcha Maïga, representing the Minister of Religious Affairs and Worship and Mrs. Salimatou Keïta, speaker.
This day was part of “Feminine Entrepreneurship”, the theme of which was sufficiently discussed by the speaker of the day. The choice of this theme comes at the right time at a time when young graduates are becoming very numerous on the job market. Clearly, it is a question of finding a means which consists in putting a brake on this phenomenon. This is why the UMAFEV-PVS, with the constant support of the ANPE, deemed it necessary to train its members in entrepreneurship. For the president Mrs. Diarra, all the problems of society are linked to the employment of young people, more particularly those whose veiled women encounter in public and private services. Hence the reflection of the UMAFEV-PVS. “We have found that entrepreneurship is the only way out today, if we manage to exploit it well”.
The celebration of this day allows, according to the president of the UMAFEV-PVS, Mrs. Diarra Adam Koné, to encourage on the one hand all women to wear the “Hijab” through fashion, style and traditional jewelry, and on the other hand to promote swinging veiled women by showing their importance in society. “When we talk about Hijab, it’s not just the piece of cloth that we put on the head, but it goes hand in hand with the behavior. So, let’s try to see our behavior in relation to the prescription of the Muslim religion, ”she said.
In the same story, Mrs. Fatoumata Barry, promoter of Albatoul Communication, even less a member of the organizing committee of the day “Hijab Day”, explains how the initiative came about. According to her, the 1st World Hijab Day was celebrated on February 1, 2013, in the United States by Nazma Khan, a sister of Indonesian origin who was stigmatized and marginalized by her environment. Through the Hijab, she brought together a number of women to stand in solidarity with her. Therefore, since February 1, 2018, this day is celebrated in Mali by UMAFEV.
Need we remind you that UMAFEV-PVS is an association created in 2018, with the aim of reconciling Muslim practices with the promotion of societal values, training, informing and sensitizing women on the importance of the consultation of our values? ; cultivate a spirit of active citizenship; contribute to conflict management and the process of national reconciliation and works to promote female leadership.
At the end of this day, the opportunity was favorable for the veiled women to present their know-how through an exhibition. Also, note that it was rich in activities, namely: Koranic reading, conference, artistic performances and parade of traditional outfits.
Sidy Coulibaly
