Advertisement

Pink scarf fundraiser for research

Leila Al-Battal,Sureyya Demir, Francesca Bucolo, and Ena Jaraba promote the Pink Scarf Day walk. Picture: Nic Ellis/ The West Australian

When Leila Al-Battal is victimised because of what she wears, she responds with a smile.

The 27-year-old Muslim is encouraging all women to embrace their differences in support of breast cancer research.

Mrs Al-Battal and her sister Sureyya Demir devised the Pink Scarf Walk, encouraging women of all backgrounds to wear scarves proudly.

"Our mother had breast cancer in 2008 and she went to a workshop where they gave her scarves, but they never showed her how to wear it," she said.

"People going through cancer often wear scarves or headwear. Sureyya and I hold scarf-styling workshops, and thought we could use our skills to help women with breast cancer."

Pink Scarf Day, held on Sunday, will bring together women in a walk from Burswood to South Perth.

Mrs Demir said the walk would not only raise awareness and money for breast cancer research but also could break a world record.

"We are going to attempt a record for the most women wearing pink scarves and walking to support a cause," she said. "It does not have to be hijab style."

Mrs Al-Battal said it had become increasingly difficult as a Muslim going in public in recent weeks as racial tensions grew.

To register for the walk email hijabemporium@hotmail.com