For the very first time, a cop named Zeena Ali from New Zealand dons hijab as a part of her official uniform. The police academy shared her picture on Instagram and said: “Constable Zeena Ali is New Zealand Police’s first member to wear a specially designed hijab as part of her uniform.”
Sharing Zeena’s feelings over the change, the post continued: “It feels great to be able to go out and show the New Zealand Police uniform hijab because I was able to take part in the design process. During training for her wing, the Royal New Zealand Police College staff organised halal meals and made a prayer room available. When I had to go swimming I was able to wear long sleeves – a full swimsuit.”
“It was when I was just training to get into police, that the Christchurch terror attack happened and if I was a fully-fledged constable then I would have gone down to support the victims and their families. Having a police-branded hijab means women, who may not have previously considered policing can do so now. It’s great how the Police incorporated my religion and culture.”
In the end, the post read: “I am thrilled the Police went out of their way to make sure the hijab I have on meets health and safety requirements as well as my own personal needs.”
