Meanings
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.
The emoji was introduced in 2017 as part of Unicode 10.0, following advocacy for more inclusive representation of religious diversity in emoji.
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.
Part of the broader movement for more diverse and inclusive emoji representation across different cultures, religions, and identities.
Combos with π§
Culture
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.
History
Rayouf Alhumedhi, a Saudi teenager living in Germany, proposes the hijab emoji to Unicode Consortium.
Lack of representation for Muslim women in digital communication
Woman With Headscarf emoji officially released in Unicode 10.0, marking increased recognition of Muslim representation.
Growing advocacy for inclusive digital representation
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
Becomes more frequently used in diversity and inclusion conversations during global racial justice movements.
Heightened awareness of representation across different identity markers