Halima Aden returns to Kenya where she was a refugee to do a burkini photoshoot for Sports Illustrated

Somali-American model Halima Aden, who was born into a Kenyan refugee camp, returned to the country to do a high fashion photoshoot.

The 21-year-old has now become the first Muslim woman to pose in a burkini for swimwear magazine Sports Illustrated (SI).

The feature, photographed by American photographer Yu Tsai, was shot in Kenya where Halima lived until she was seven years old.

The young model, from Minnesota, is pictured in the issue wearing custom-made burkinis – a modest swimsuit.

I keep thinking back to six-year-old me who, in this same country, was in a refugee camp, Halima said during her shoot.

So to grow up to live the American dream and to come back to Kenya and shoot for Sports Illustrated in the most beautiful parts of Kenya – I dont think thats a story that anybody could make up.

The theme for this years Sports Illustrated photoshoot is shattering perceptions, as they want to diversify the modelling industry and improve visibility for underrepresented demographics of women.

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For Halima, the move was to make swimwear accessible to Muslim women.

Young Muslim women need to know that there is a modest swimsuit option available to them so they can join the swim team, participate in swim class at school, and go with their friends to the beach, she said.

Muslim girls should feel confident taking that step and doing so comfortably while wearing a burkini.

SI Swimsuit has been at the forefront of changing the narrative and conversation on social issues and preconceived notions.

Im hoping this specific feature will open doors up for my Somali community, Muslim community, refugee community and any other community that can relate to being different, she added.

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This feature is proving that a fully covered hijab wearing model can confidently stand alongside a beautiful woman in a revealing bikini and together they can celebrate one another, cheer each other on, and champion each others successes.

MJ Day, editor of SI Swimsuit. echoed the message: Having Halima as a part of SI Swimsuit is yet another example of the range and scope of the type of beauty that exists.

Her participation and inclusionRead More – Source