Constable Zeena Ali, a new recruit for the New Zealand Police has become the first officer to wear the official hijab which is now a part of the uniform. While being invited to actively take part in the design process, work to develop the hijab for its uniform began in late 2018, as an ode for more Muslim women to join the police in the country.
After the Christchurch terror attack that took place last year where 51 people were killed at two mosques in New Zealand, Ali was inspired to join the police force.
“I am thrilled the Police went out of their way to make sure the hijab I have on meets health and safety requirements as well as my own personal needs,” Constable Ali said. “Having a police-branded hijab means women, who may not have previously considered policing can do so now.
“It’s great how the Police incorporated my religion and culture.”
After not only graduating as a police-officer, she will become the first Muslim officer in New Zealand to don a police-issued hijab as part of her uniform.
In the UK, the Metropolitan Police in London approved a uniform hijab in 2006 with the Scotland Police following in 2016. In Australia, Maha Sukkar of Victoria Police wore a hijab in 2004.
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Feature image: Instagram @newzealandpolice
