From Ballet to Olympics: Women in hijab create waves

We take a look at women around the world wearing hijab who are making a statement by empowering millions.

Is this the beginning of a revolution? Hijab, the attire of Muslim women has been a topic of discussion across the globe for centuries. But these women who are proudly making a mark for themselves globally, have proved hijab to be a symbol of liberation.

Muslim school girl wants to be first professional ballerina in a hijab

A 14-year-old Muslim girl from Sydney, Stephanie Kurlow wants to become the first hijabi ballerina in the world - and to open a dance school for girls of all backgrounds.

She reportedly told Daily News, "Dancing is like flying for me. It makes me feel free."

"All I want is to share the beauty of the amazing ballet art form," she continued, "and inspire other young people who maybe don't feel so confident to follow their dreams due to the outfits they wear, religious beliefs or lack of opportunities."

Kurlow reportedly began dancing when she was two years old, and performed with the Riverside Theatre until 2010, when she converted to Islam. She then quit ballet as she couldn't find a school who would accept her wearing a hijab to class.

But now she aims to start ballet practice again with the aim to open a ballet school that teaches students from all backgrounds. She is trying to raise money for that school through her 'LaunchGood' campaign. "This school will have special programmes for specific religions, support groups for our youth and people who are from disconnected communities," she added.

"I believe [the hijab] covers my body, but not my mind, heart and talent," she told Daily News.

First US athlete to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab

Ibtihaj Muhammad, has qualified for a spot on the United States Olympic Team for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. The 30-year-old New Jersey native will make history as the first United States Olympian to compete in a hijab.

Last week, she booked a spot on the US Olympic team during an event in Athens. On Wednesday, US President Barack Obama mentioned her while delivering a speech at a mosque in Baltimore.

"One of the Americans waving the red, white, and blue will be a fencing champion wearing her hijab in the next Olympics," Obama said.

"She is here today. Stand up. Come on. I told her to bring home the gold. Not to put any pressure on you."

"Nothing should hinder anyone from reaching their goals -- not race, religion or gender," Muhammad told USA Fencing in a posting on its website. "I want to set an example that anything is possible with perseverance."

'Hijarbie' Barbie is a hit on Instagram

Haneefah Adam, a 24-year-old who lives in Nigeria, has urged Barbie, the doll company to diversify its models and introduce "Hijarbie" - the same Barbie that will connect with millions of Muslim girls around the world.

After her Masters in England, Adam came home to Nigeria and started documenting her idea and posted her own styles on Instagram which became a huge hit.

It's not new that women in hijab are making fashion statements. Even retail giants such as H&M and Uniqlo have included hijabs in their new designs and featured them in their campaigns.

Also, Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana announced last year an exclusive new line of designer hijabs and abayas.

H&M featured its first Muslim model wearing a hijab in September of last year (Photo via YouTube video screen shot)

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