The world celebrated World Hijab Day on February 1st. I, a hijab-wearing woman, couldn't help but think of the picture of a woman holding a protest sign reading: "I can't believe I still have to protest this shit".
I can't believe that we're still struggling with endless stigma surrounding the Islamic veil and the women who wear it, that we still have to protest against prejudice and go out of our ways to refute stereotypes.
On a day like today, I'm grateful that these women exist on this planet.
1. Linda Sarsour spearheads the resistance in America
Thought hijabis can't be outspoken game-changers? Just take a look at last week's news.
Palestinian-American Linda Sarsour took center stage at the Women's March protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump and his xenophobic, retrograde policies. She was one of the main organizers of the March on Washington, which turned out to be the largest demonstration against a new administration in American history.
2. Nour Tagouri becomes the first hijabi anchorwoman in America
Broadcasters generally steer clear of hiring hijabi reporters and news anchors, even in Muslim communities. But the times they are a-changin'.
Many hijab-wearing journalists, reporters and actresses have fought their way to screens all over the world. Ginella Massa, Fatima Manji and Noor Tagouri have broken down barriers and anchored western news broadcasts whilst wearing the veil.
Amanie Geha successfully started her own show on OTV -- a channel backed by the predominantly Christian Free Patriotic Movement.
4. Sakdiyah Ma'rouf, Indonesia's first female Muslim stand-up comedian
It's not everyday that you see a fully covered woman hilariously smash stereotypes, lash out at extremists and discuss topics that are usually considered off-limits for female Muslims. But women like Indonesia's first female Muslim stand-up comedian, Sakdiyah Ma'ruf, are changing the conversation.
Similarly, Saudi Vine star known by the pseudonym Amy Roko, who dons the niqab on social media, shares short comedy sketches showcasing her funny take on everyday experiences in the kingdom.
5. Maria Alia, the ultimate hijabi fashionista
#HijabiFashion is all the rage now. We've mastered the ability to defy the fashion industry's limitations and hijabi-fy every trend.
6. Mariah Idrissi, H&M's first Hijabi model
What about H&M's hijabi model Mariah Idrissi? New York Fashion Week's all-hijab show last September? CoverGirl's hijabi ambassador Nura Afia? Miss Minnesota beauty pageant contestant Halima Aden?
7. Doaa El-Ghobashy, spikes stereotypes at the Olympics
From Egyptian taekwondo bronze-medalist Hedaya Malak to American fencing bronze-medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, hijabis smashed stereotypes last year at the most renowned international event in the world: the Olympics.
More and more hijabis are taking up sports, after sports federations began loosening dress restrictions.
8. Stephanie Kurlow, the hijabi ballerina
Think again.
9. Manal Rostom, scales the world's highest mountains
Meet the Egyptian mountaineer Manal Rostom: she has scaled Africa's highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro, run the The Great Wall marathon, and she is now eyeing the tallest mountain in the world, Mt Everest.
Like most Muslims, hijabis are simply trying to practice their faith in the best way they can.
With that being said, wearing the hijab doesn't mean we follow religion blindly. The veil doesn't stand in the way of women having their own doubts and disagreements concerning religion, or arguing against certain Islamic principles. Muslims aren't monolithic, hijabis aren't either. We each have our own set of thoughts and beliefs.