Mense are losing their heads because Nike has decided to make hijab for Muslim women.
The sportswear giant unveiled their doekie, designed for Muslim sportswomen, on International Women’s Day on Wednesday.
While most people applauded Nike for its bold move in recognising hijab in sport, there were those who slammed the company for a range of reasons, varying from “they’re making money off our religion” to “Nike is encouraging the oppression of Muslim women”.
For many professional athletes, who are not allowed to participate wearing a scarf, the Nike Pro Hijab is a game changer.
“The Nike Pro Hijab may have been more than a year in the making, but its impetus can be traced much further back, to an ongoing cultural shift that has seen more women than ever embracing sport,” Nike said in a statement, according to Al Arabiya English.
The doekie, which resembles a small burka, is made of lightweight, breathable fabric, and took 13 months to design.
Emirati Olympic weightlifter Amna Al Haddad told Nike during the design process that she only had one hijab that could meet her needs as a competitive weightlifter. She washed it nightly.
Nike says it was inspired after seeing Saudi Arabian athlete Sarah Attar compete in the 2012 Olympics in a similar doekie.
The Nike Pro Hijab will go on sale early next year.
But Islamaphobes slammed Nike, claiming the hijab was a form of oppression for Muslim women, some who often don’t have a choice in wearing it.
American Theresa Menz said she would boycott Nike, and that immigrants should adopt the American way of life or stay out. “I will never buy anything Nike. Assimilate or don’t come to America.”
But Boy Evelyn commended Nike, saying: “Joyously happy that my hijab-wearing Muslim friends will be able to run and work out in more comfort.”
For others, Nike’s strategy was nothing but a marketing and money-making ploy.
Komal Kim Kevin posted: “Why didn’t Nike have this from the beginning? The company is just trying to cash in on a trend of being Muslim inclusive.”