Angelina Jolie, Hollywood star and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in Pakistan

About 50 people gathered at the Halifax Central Library Saturday afternoon to take part in hijab day, an event that invites people to try on the hijab to foster understanding between cultures.

“We realized a lot of people don’t know what the hijab is, the idea behind it,” said Maram Saidi, one of the event’s organizers.

“We figured it’s good to bring the community together to acknowledge differences and to bring us together to remember that we’re all human and we’re all the same.”

The event featured a panel discussion and an information booth. Two members of the Halifax Regional Police were there to provide security.

Saidi said she was surprised at the large crowd and hopes it helps get rid of the common misperception that women wearing the headscarf are oppressed.

“We have normal lives. We go to work, school, we hang out with friends,” she said. “We do this as submission to God, we do this for God, not anyone else.”

Saidi said she’s never been targeted for wearing the hijab but many of her friends have experienced racist comments in the city.

In an interview with Information Morning, she said since the attacks in Paris, it has been more difficult to wear the hijab and she’s even considered self defence classes, just in case.

“I am a little bit worried but I do have a lot of hope in Halifax,” she said. “I was born and raised here. I feel like this is my home and everyone here is part of my community.”