π§
Woman With Headscarf
woo-muhn with hed-skahrf
Definitions
1
People Β· Religious
Common
Represents a woman wearing a headscarf or hijab, typically associated with Muslim women who cover their hair as a religious practice of modesty and faith.
Used to represent Muslim women, discuss Islamic culture, or promote religious diversity and inclusion.
So proud of my friend for starting her new job today! π§ #MuslimWomenInSTEM
Social media post celebrating achievement
The conference on religious diversity π§π³ββοΈβ‘οΈβ¦οΈβͺοΈ was really eye-opening.
Messaging app conversation
Just got my new hijab today! π§ Love how it looks!
Instagram caption
The emoji was introduced in 2017 as part of Unicode 10.0, following advocacy for more inclusive representation of religious diversity in emoji.
2
Identity Β· Representation
Common
Used to represent oneself or others who wear headscarves in digital communication, adding personal identity to conversations, profiles, and social media.
Commonly used as self-representation by women who wear hijabs or to indicate discussing topics related to Muslim women.
Updated my profile to look more like me π§
Social media bio
This is me and my mom π§π© at my graduation ceremony!
Family photo caption
Part of the broader movement for more diverse and inclusive emoji representation across different cultures, religions, and identities.
Evolution Timeline
2016
Rayouf Alhumedhi, a Saudi teenager living in Germany, proposes the hijab emoji to Unicode Consortium.
Lack of representation for Muslim women in digital communication
2017
Woman With Headscarf emoji officially released in Unicode 10.0, marking increased recognition of Muslim representation.
Growing advocacy for inclusive digital representation
2018
Usage spikes following increased visibility of Muslim women in Western media and politics.
Election of first Muslim women to US Congress and broader visibility in public sphere
2020
Becomes more frequently used in diversity and inclusion conversations during global racial justice movements.
Heightened awareness of representation across different identity markers
Cultural Context
The emoji resulted from a campaign by Saudi teenager Rayouf Alhumedhi, who noted the lack of representation for hijab-wearing women among emoji options.
Represents the broader movement for inclusive digital representation across different identities, cultures, and religious practices.
Usage patterns vary significantly between regions with large Muslim populations versus those where Muslims are minorities, reflecting different contexts of identity expression.
Often used as visual shorthand for 'Muslim woman' in digital communication, though the headscarf itself has broader cultural meanings beyond Islam.
Different platforms render the emoji with subtle variations in headscarf style and skin tone, reflecting different cultural interpretations of modest dress.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Commonly used in multicultural contexts, particularly in urban areas with significant Muslim populations like London and Birmingham.
India
Used in contexts reflecting India's religious diversity, often in discussions about Muslim communities or interfaith harmony.
United States
Often used in contexts of diversity and inclusion discussions, particularly in educational and corporate settings.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Less frequent usage, primarily in family contexts or formal diversity communications in workplace settings.
Gen_Z: Frequently used for self-representation and in discussions about diversity, inclusion, and religious identity on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Limited usage, mostly when referring to family members who wear headscarves or in formal religious contexts.
Millennials: Commonly used in professional contexts discussing workplace diversity and in family communications to represent Muslim family members.
Common Combinations
π§β€οΈ
Expressing love, support or solidarity with Muslim women or hijab-wearers.
Often used during times of anti-Muslim sentiment to show allyship or by Muslims expressing pride in identity.
π§πͺ
Celebrating the strength, empowerment or achievements of Muslim women.
Used to highlight accomplishments or resilience, especially when overcoming discrimination or barriers.
π§π©ββοΈ
Muslim women in healthcare or medical professions.
Highlights professional achievements and representation in medical fields.
π§π
Muslim women in education, academia, or pursuing knowledge.
References the Islamic emphasis on education and counters stereotypes about Muslim women's educational opportunities.
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦π§
Muslim family or family with member(s) who wear hijab.
Represents Muslim family dynamics or religious diversity within families.
Related Emojis
π³ββοΈ
Man with turban, often used alongside woman with headscarf in religious diversity contexts
βͺοΈ
Islamic symbol often used with woman with headscarf in religious contexts
π§ββοΈ
Sometimes used to represent prayer, particularly in Muslim contexts
π©
Generic woman emoji, contrasted with woman with headscarf for specificity
β
Often paired to represent empowerment and solidarity with Muslim women