Seeking to empower Muslim women globally by supporting their right to wear a hijab, the first virtual World Hijab Day conference kicked off today, February 1.

Launching with Quranic recitation by 11-year-old Maryam Jazeem, the conference hosts a galaxy of female Muslim speakers including Ustadha Youssra Kamel Kandil, Dr. Nour Akhras, Sveto Muhammad Ishoq, Heba Subeh-Hyder, and others, World Hijab Day website reported.

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The annual #WorldHijabDay is observed by women of all faiths, colors, and communities across the world for the 12th year in a row.

This year’s event, #VeiledinStrength, aims to break down barriers and promote inclusivity for women embracing their choice to wear the hijab.

Islam sees hijab as an obligatory code of dress, not a religious symbol displaying one’s affiliations.

Coming each year on February 1, the World Hijab Day is marked across over tens of countries.

The event, a brainchild of New York-based Nazma Khan, aims at fostering religious tolerance and understanding by inviting non-Hijabi Muslims and non-Muslims to experience hijab for one day.