UK set to unveil world's first sculpture honoring women who wear hijab

A striking steel sculpture, paying tribute to Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, is set to make its debut in Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, as per the latest reports. Designed by Luke Perry, this captivating sculpture will find its home in the Smethwick area of the West Midlands in October.

The hijab, a headscarf covering the hair, neck, and sometimes the shoulders, takes centerstage in this unique piece of art. Standing tall at 5 m meters and weighing approximately a tonne, the sculpture has been aptly named Strength of the Hijab, which features a representation of a Muslim woman donning a hijab, accompanied by a powerful inscription at its base that reads, "It is a woman's right to be loved and respected whatever she chooses to wear."
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Luke Perry, who is the creative mind behind the sculpture, expressed that this artwork seeks to provide much-needed visibility to women who wear hijabs as a symbol of their Islamic faith. He emphasized that this group often remains underrepresented despite their significant presence within the community. The selected location for this impressive creation is Smethwick, an area noted for its vibrant Islamic community.While acknowledging that the sculpture might be met with controversy, Perry underscored the importance of representing the diversity of the UK's population and ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated.

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It's worth noting that Luke Perry has a history of creating thought-provoking sculptures. He previously collaborated on the Black British History and British History sculpture, a project that found its place in nearby Winson Green in May.