• Fatima Payman made history this week after becoming the first hijab-wearing Senator in Australia’s parliament.
• The 27-year-old thanked her father for his sacrifices who arrived in Australia as an Afghan refugee and died in 2018.
• She also addressed concerns about her hijab, stressing that wearing it was her choice.

Fatima Payman, 27, made history last week when she was elected as Australia’s first senator to wear a hijab.

When Payman thanked her father for his sacrifices—who entered Australia as an Afghan immigrant; and passed away in 2018—a few minutes into her first statement in Parliament; she started to cry.

Who would have imagined that today a young woman from Afghanistan and the daughter; of a refugee would be present in this chamber? Paidman stated.

Knowing the hardships my father through working two jobs—as a security guard and a taxi driver;—to ensure he saved up enough money to maintain his family, make ends meet; and guarantee my brothers and I would have the future he was unable to provide for himself.

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When Payman, her mother, and her three younger siblings travelled to Australia in 2003, she was eight years old.

She went to university to become a doctor and attended the Australian Islamic College in Perth; but ended up getting active in politics.

Payman’s father, who sadly did not survive to see her become a senator; passed away from leukaemia in 2018 at the age of 47.

Concerns about her wearing a hijab were also addressed; and she emphasised that it was her decision.

Payman added, “The hijab is my decision. For people who prefer to advise me on what I should wear or rate; my ability based on my external experience, know that.” “I am a representation of contemporary Australia since I am youthful; progressive, and my family is international in origin.”

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