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Nike Highlight Hijab Product Playbook on World Hijab Day

February 5, 2021 

In recognition of February 1's World Hijab Day, Nike shared its Hijab Product Playbook, developed as part of its Made To Play initiative. Under the tagline "Hijabi Girls Who Move, Move the World," the guide is intended to help give hijab-wearing athletes and their teammates the information and support they need to keep playing. 

The playbook launched with a short video highlighting Muslim athletes and Nike Hijab-wearing athletes with the message that "Hijabi Girls Are Made to Play." Nike reiterated its belief that the right product can make a big difference in how girls experience sport – and for some girls, this includes wearing the hijab.  

Monday marked the 8th annual global day of celebration of Muslim women who choose to observe the hijab, an Islamic head covering worn to "honor modesty and signal a dedication to God." The creators of World Hijab Day aim to fight bigotry, discrimination and prejudice against Muslim women. 

Nike first launched its Hijab Pro line in 2017, creating a solution for Muslim athletes who found it difficult to compete with a traditional hijab rather than sport-generated hijab. One of those athletes was Olympic Fencer and the first Muslim American woman to win an Olympic medal, Ibtihaj Muhammad, who had been carded for false starts many times because her traditional hijab material hindered her hearing and performance. 

“My mission in telling my story is to encourage the next generation to be involved in these unlikely sports where traditionally we haven’t been provided the access or the space to be a part of fencing or swimming or gymnastics or whatever it is,” said Muhammad. 

 

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Nike Pro designers, who are responsible for creating base layers (the layer closest to the skin) for athletes, examined how to make a performance hijab. The resulting Pro Hijab line has been very successful and a game-changer for female Muslim athletes.

The guide includes an introduction on the hijab, explaining what the hijab is and the Nike Pro Hijab fit. It also highlights some hijabi athletes and the do’s and don’ts for teams to create a safe and understanding environment for Muslim athletes. 

The playbook also comes with additional resources such as an insight pack into Muslim women and girls, a coaching girls guide and Women’s Sports Foundation's coaching through a gender lens resource.

As part of the Made to Play commitment to get all kids moving, Nike wants to break down barriers, build community and help girls find their strength and potential through the power of play and sport. It states that it is pushing for a world where every kid has access to play and sport, especially in underserved communities. 

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