Muslim women may feel more at ease joining the Philippine Coast Guard after they just announced the inclusion of the hijab in the uniform of Muslim female coast guard personnel.
The updated uniform guidelines state that the hijab, a veil worn by Muslim women that covers the head, may be worn by officers and personnel during formations and outdoor activities, while wearing it indoors may be optional. It should be made of silk or cotton and in navy blue or black.
“‘Hijab’ is an Arabic word that means ‘being covered’,” the PCG wrote. “Islam requires Muslim women to cover themselves in public and in the presence of people who are not ‘mahram’ which refers to family members or persons who are allowed to see Muslim women without cover.”
With the inclusion of hijab in uniform guidelines, the Philippine Coast Guard said that its Muslim community hopes that it will encourage more Muslim women to join the Coast Guard workforce.
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, this update is a win for inclusive policies, considering that Muslim Filipinos make up 6 percent of the population.
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