When self-described feminist Breharne Alzoubi converted to Islam in her early 20s, she had to deal with some everyday life changes.
One of them was her wardrobe.
Ms Alzoubi needed to buy new, modest clothing and chose to wear a headscarf – much to the surprise of her husband, who was worried about public discrimination.
"I still walk around in my city and get told to go back my own country," says Ms Alzoubi, who grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Western Sydney.
For her, the hijab is what connects her to the Muslim women’s community.
"It’s like a uniform for me - I belong," she tells SBS News.
The mother-of-two now runs her own lifestyle blog and Instagram account focusing on modest fashion.
"I have a bit of an addiction – I’m constantly buying new clothes and scarves," she says, laughing.
"Before I had the kids I would go on spending sprees. I was spending so much money on shipping!"
But Ms Alzoubi recognised not all women are financially fortunate - so she decided to give back to the community by starting clothing drive The Hijab Collective.
The campaign collects and donates hijabs and modest clothing to women in need.
Ms Alzoubi says there are many women - whether refugees facing hardship, Muslim converts who struggle with the wardrobe change, or those fleeing domestic violence - who she wants to help.
Breharne Alzoubi. (Facebook) Source: Facebook
"I’m all about empowering women, women being confident and having their place in society, and feeling like they belong," she says.
"I started it to help women feel beautiful. They’re not different because they can’t go and buy new clothes every week."
Ms Alzoubi says refugee women come to Australia with few possessions.
"Even women in domestic violence shelters, those women leave with a handbag, they can’t go home.
"Single mothers, if they have an event coming up, we can help out."
She wants the Hijab Collective to become a portal for women to share clothing tips, the latest hijab fashion and community conversations.
