Ginella Massa has become Canada’s first news anchor to wear a Muslim head scarf on air, after she hosted a show on Toronto’s CityNews channel last week, AP reported. The development comes a year after she became the country’s first hijab-clad reported on CTV News. The 29-year-old’s broadcast last week drew praise and criticism from various sections on social media.
On November 18, Massa tweeted saying, “That’s a wrap! Tonight wasn’t just important for me. I don’t think a woman in hijab has ever anchored a newscast in Canada.” Her broadcast gains significance against growing concerns over hostilities towards Muslims in the United States and Europe. Many Muslims have expressed fears of anti-Muslim attacks, particularly as US President-elect Donald Trump had promised restriction on the entry of Muslims into the country.
The news agency quoted Massa, who said, “I’ve talked to many women who are journalists in the US and they have told me that they face multiple challenges trying to get on air. They have been told because of their hijab., that’s not going to happen.”
The journalist believes her presence on air will help reinforce a positive image of Muslim women. She said, “They are a symbol of Islam when they wear the hijab and that carries a powerful image. It’s so important to see positive images of us in the media.”
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