Recognising a significant gap in personal protective equipment (PPE) for Muslim women in healthcare, Adam and Samatar launched Mawadda in 2022. The pair, who wear hijabs themselves, noticed that existing PPE options often fell short of accommodating religious needs, leading many Muslim healthcare workers to bring multiple head coverings per shift to maintain hygiene.
To address this issue, Mawadda introduced the “Hygienic Hijab”—a product specifically designed to meet both safety and religious standards. Manufactured in the U.S. and compliant with FDA standards, the Hygienic Hijab is breathable, fits securely, and is easy to wear. It offers a solution tailored to Muslim women working in clinical settings. Adam and Samatar, who met while studying respiratory care at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, bonded over shared challenges as first-generation students and Muslim women working across various regions.
During interviews with CBS, they recounted a pivotal moment when they saw hospitals providing beard covers but not comparable protective options for hijabs. This realisation fuelled their drive to create an inclusive PPE solution.
Mawadda’s mission goes beyond the product—it aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare environments. Samatar emphasised the broader impact of their work, stating, “When the hijab is available, it sends a message to Muslim women that they are valued and supported in the workplace.” The Hygienic Hijab is currently available in two styles—pullover and wrap—and sold in packs of ten. Looking forward, Mawadda plans to introduce a line of modest scrubs, including skirts and dresses, further catering to the needs of Muslim women in healthcare settings.
