Masjid al-Quds will be draped in pink on Tuesday as cancer survivors, sufferers and everyday community members show their support for breast cancer awareness. VOC’s 7th annual Pink Hijab Day (PHD) Awareness Day programme will seek to shed more light on the disease, while simultaneously aiding survivors and those still battling the disease on their road to recovery.

A series of programmes have been scheduled for the day, including inspirational talks from cancer survivors, Kauther Roomaney and Rayghana Cassiem. Roomaney’s father will also speak on dealing with cancer from the perspective of a parent.

The days proceedings will officially kick off with a special ‘housewives forum’, before addresses by VOC programmes manager Mishka Daries and keynote speaker and PHD campaign founder, Humaira Jassat.

A physiotherapist from the Rondebosch Medical Centre will address the gathering on physiotherapy and recovery from cancer, while the Islamic Medical Association will tackle symptoms, risk factors and signs of cancer. There will also be a ‘talkshop’ by life-coach, Najmuniesa Solomon.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to undergo breast and iridology screenings, which will take place from 9am onwards.

On Wednesday, which coincides with Pink Hijab Day, VOC will be treating breast cancer survivors to a breakfast-brunch.

Throughout the past few weeks VOC has run an intensive campaign leading up to the big day, littering the airwaves with PHD related content. One initiative saw the station run a small competition via the early morning AM Inspirations show, urging listeners to submit a short poem via sms about how their hijab inspires them. A total of 25 entries were received, with winners Faiza Adams and Riefaat Hattas both walking away with special PHD scarves.

The PHD Breast Cancer Awareness Day takes place on 27 October between 10am-1pm. VOC’s Morning Expresso will be broadcast live from the event.

For more information contact VOC at 021 442 3500. You can also visit the following link for a more detailed list of speakers and topics: https://voiceofthecape.wpengine.com/voc-pink-hijab-drive-kicks-off/