Westpac makes Carla Zampatti-designed hijab part of its official staff uniform 'to make Muslim women feel more comfortable at work'

  •  The Westpac bank will provide corporate hijabs to Muslim women
  •  Westpac says it is so the women feel comfortable at work
  •  The hijabs will be available to all female Muslim staff from April 2017

By BELINDA CLEARY, SENIOR FEMAIL REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Westpac has revealed plans to introduce a hijab as part of staff's corporate uniform to make Muslim employees and customers feel more comfortable.

The hijab for the uniform will be designed by Carla Zampatti and feature the bank's colours and logos.

Westpac's Director of Diversity, Ainslie van Onselen said the move will make people feel comfortable at work.

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The Westpac bank are unrolling corporate hijabs for their female Muslim staff

The Westpac bank are unrolling corporate hijabs for their female Muslim staff

Manija Akbari, pictured, is a Muslim woman who says the company's move makes her feel valued at work

Manija Akbari, pictured, is a Muslim woman who says the company's move makes her feel valued at work

'This is one way we can show that we accept and recognise people of all cultures,'  Ms Onselen said.

Manija Akbari, a Muslim woman who works with the bank, said introducing the hijab as part of the corporate uniform made her feel like 'part of the team'.

'I feel so valued,' she said. 

Ms Onselen said the feedback from the move has been positive so far.

Westpac joins Optus and the Commonwealth Bank as other major Australian companies that have included the hijab as part of staff uniforms.

The hijab is expected to be available from April. 

The Commonwealth Bank and Optus have already unrolled corporate hijabs 

The Commonwealth Bank and Optus have already unrolled corporate hijabs 

 

 

 

Westpac

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