The Voice of the Cape has finally kicked off its annual Pink Hijab Drive campaign for 2016 in a bid to raise awareness to the plight of those women who have, and continue to suffer from breast cancer. The drive will culminate in a Pink Hijab Day event during the latter stages of October, where cancer survivors will come together to recount their experiences as well as take part in a host of awareness programmes.

The Pink Hijab is symbolised by women donning a pink head scarves, as well as other pink apparel to highlight the realities of women who have suffered, continue to suffer, and have lost their lives as a result of the disease.

This year marks the 7th annual edition of the campaign, which has seen VOC actively rallying in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“The Pink Hijab Day initiative offers dual benefits as it fulfils a purpose of promoting awareness of the disease, as well as Islam, though the use of the pink hijab, a symbol Islam,” said VOC producer and project coordinator, Zulfah Brown-Jabaar.

The theme this year will focus on “celebrating the courage and tenacity of cancer survivors”. Throughout the next 3-4 weeks VOC will regularly link-up with cancer survivors who will detail their stories live on air.

This will all culminate in the Pink Hijab Day outside broadcast at Masjid al-Quds on Tuesday the 27th October, where again cancer survivors will speak of their ordeals. There will also be a range of activities planned for the event, including shopping and food stalls, free breast screenings with the Islamic Medical Association, as well as a live broadcast of VOC’s Morning Expresso. The key note speaker is Pink Hijab Day founder Humairah Jassat.

Amongst the other speakers and topics are:

• Sheikh Abdurahmaan Alexander who will relate the importance of thikr in times of need or trauma
• Rondebosch Medical Centre’s Esmarie Dreyer, a physiotherapist  and a cancer survivor speaking about physio rehab with breast cancer
• Pink Drive’s Adeliah Jacobs to introduce the Pink Drive and its support group focus
• Islamic Medical Association will speak about their work
• Life coach Najmuniesa Solomons  will focus on ‘how to recognise your actions and reactions in light of your temperament?’
• Kauthar Roomaney will reveal her experience through the topic “Cancer in the bloom of my youth – this was not part of the plan”
• Muslim Hands representatives will also be at the event

The following day, VOC will be treating breast cancer survivors to a breakfast-brunch.

Brown-Jabaar stressed the importance of the station hosting such initiatives.

“The enormity of the disease, the stigma, the myths and the mistaken belief that cancer is a death sentence compel us to prioritise Pink Hijab Day as a key annual campaign. Our community needs to be equipped with the right skills, resources and support structures,” she said.

For more information on Pink Hijab Day and the accompanying awareness drive, contact VOC at 021 442 3500. VOC