Respiratory therapists make disposable hijabs for Muslim health workers

MINNEAPOLIS— It’s a challenge healthcare workers face. There is a lack of personal protective equipment for Muslim women.

Now, two Minnesota respiratory therapists are breaking barriers in the healthcare world by filling that need and creating disposable, hygienic devices hijabs.

Firaoli Adam and Yasmin Samatar first met while studying respiratory care at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

“She didn’t know it yet, but she was going to be my best friend,” Adam said.

The students of the first generation later became respiratory therapists. They have worked on travel assignments in hospitals across the country, but have faced similar challenges wearing their hijabs.

“I remember going in, and the operating room is a sterile environment. You have to stay very sterile, so wearing your hijab everywhere for so long is not ideal because you bring an infection into the room,” Samatar said . .

With nothing to cover their hijab, they resorted to tucking in and taking multiple hijabs to work to change between patients and before returning home to their families after work. The pandemic exacerbated the problem as personal protective equipment became increasingly important.

“They had a beard covering. We looked at each other like, ‘They even have a beard covering?! Why not a hijab covering? There’s got to be something,'” Adam said.

They didn’t find many options, so they looked for the solution by launching Mawadda, a company that makes hygienic disposable hijabs.

“Diversity and inclusion are very important. We are already stressed, working in a stressful environment and helping other people. Why are we not getting the support? It’s also about infection prevention,” Adam said.

Since launching Mawadda in 2022, they have received requests from employees and hospitals across the country and beyond. They hope more hospitals in Minnesota will join in as well.

“When you wear the hijab there, you tell a Muslim woman that you are supported in this hospital and that your voice and presence are valued, that gives you strength,” Samatar said.

Next year they’ll launch a modest scrub line with skirts, dresses and more. They said they hope Muslim women can feel stronger, more comfortable and confident at work.

“Muslim women are just as amazing as any other woman and I just want them to get out there and do their job and save lives,” Adam said.

For more information about Mawadda, click here.