CHICAGO (WBBM/CNN) – Members of a Muslim outreach group are hoping their billboard campaign will educate drivers about the hijab.
For six weeks, the ads will feature women wearing the traditional Muslim garment, and express what it means to wear one.
Kiran Malik said she had questions for her daughter Imaan Maniya when she wanted to wear a hijab to high school.
“I was like, ‘Are you sure?’” Malik said.
Malik was afraid for her daughter because she knew from experience what might follow.
For example, one time a driver tried to force Malik off the road, she said.
“Right on 59 in Streamwood, and he drove me into incoming traffic with my kids in the car, spewing out words like, ‘Go back to your country,’” Malik said.
Experiences like that made Malik and other members of the Muslim outreach group GainPeace want to put up billboards along 294 and I-55, showing the hijab as a symbol of empowerment and devotion to their religion.
"I choose to wear the hijab so I follow the command of God," GainPeace member Sara Ahmed said.
The campaigners hope to dispel what they call negative stereotypes about Muslim women.
"Wearing the hijab is 100 percent my choice,” Ahmed said. “As contrary to the popular belief, hijab in no way oppresses us."
Seventeen-year-old Maniya now wears the hijab, and has felt the sting of bigotry.
"Some kid will come to me and call me, 'Why don't you go back to your country, you terrorist?’" Maniya said.
Two billboards may not change the hearts of bigots, but the campaigners believe it’s a start.
"Just because I wear the hijab or I dress a certain way, it shouldn't be threatening," Malik said.
GainPeace hopes to encourage questions about the hijab and Islam in general. They say that’s why they’ve included a phone number on the billboards.
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