The article was prepared by writer Carla Bernardo for the University of Cape Town’s news website, UCT News. It is the story of first-year UCT student Zahraa Hendricks, and how a simple act–something that is part of her identity and daily routine–attracted viral attention online. During a friendly rugby match, Hendricks was photographed wearing a hijab with the Ikey women’s team uniform. Presumably, the photo and the wearing of the hijab on the sports field garnered so much attention because it was during this time that the debate about what Muslim women wear–particularly in France–had heated up again. Once the viral tweet was spotted online, the aim was to join in the positive conversation surrounding a then-unidentified UCT student, hear and provide a platform for her voice, find out about her experience as a young Muslim woman of colour at UCT, and celebrate the diverse and inclusive environment at the university.
From the Judges
Great story topic. It is inspiring and well written.
