Detail, back communication device facility.
Detail, front side view.
Inclusion - Operational Hijab design
Designers: Deb Cumming and Nina Weaver
Massey University Wellington, New Zealand
photographer: Deb Cumming
The Operational Hijab design was developed to meet the needs of Muslim New Zealand Police women to promote positive action for respect and identity within the organization. The wearing and visual identification of the hijab was considered important to reflect inclusivity and community diversity while providing a safe operational piece of uniform. These aims sit within the context of New Zealand Police’s focus on the leadership, culture and capability of their organisation to provide an environment where people are safe, valued, and supported to deliver services to communities. A thorough design research and development process was carried out over a 16-month period resulting in the operational hijabs being available for Muslim women police officers in Aotearoa since November 2020.
Methodology
involved a user-centred design approach. In-depth interviews through focus groups with the organisation and Muslim communities throughout the country; Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, contributed to a greater understanding of the diverse cultural needs in wearing the hijab. New Zealand Police provided considerable consultation on performance requirements throughout the development process. Rigorous wear testing, including a 4-month period at the National Police College, assessed Physical robustness and Safety measures, Fit and Movement, Fabric qualities and Comfort of wear under sustained activities and circumstances; cognitive training, self-defence, physical fitness, house breech training, use of firearms and tasers and defensive driving.
Performance needs and the regulatory uniform system identified specific design requirements that were met.
Contoured fit providing head movement for optimal vision and minimal grab.
Provision for wear under regulation cap and other operational headwear.
Shaped lower section to allow tucking into shirt neckline without interference with body armour and outer garments.
Quick release fastening to offer safety.
Technical material providing comfort for duration of wear (stretch, moisture wicking and temperature control) and easy-care properties.
Robust and stable construction for performance.
Facility for operational communication devices.
Visual consistency and identification with uniform.
The hijab prototype and production specifications met formal Police approval requirements with extensive peer review and compliance.
Importantly, appreciative responses from New Zealand’s first Hijab wearing police woman Constable Zeena Ali, validated the design and inclusive motivations.
“It feels great to be able to go out and show the New Zealand Police uniform hijab because I was able to take part in the design process. Having a police-branded hijab means women, who may not have previously considered policing can do so now. It’s great how the Police incorporated my religion and culture. I am thrilled the Police went out of their way to make sure the hijab I have on meets health and safety requirements as well as my own personal needs.”
Media releases have generated much interest nationally and internationally. The hijab design has since been manufactured for other national organisations; St John Ambulance and Corrections Department.
To date, the product has been developed and sampled for Leicestershire Police UK, Hamburg Police Germany, Victoria Police Australia, Queensland Police Australia, Canada Border Services Agency.
We continue to remain open to additional interested organisations for design development and manufacture of the hijab. Fabric colour and size range can be provided on request.
Student Officer Khadeejah Mansur, Leicestershire Police, wearing trial hijab. Photo: Leicestershire Police.
Police Liaison Officer Aulia Ibrahim, South Brisbane Police. Photo: Queensland Police.
Associated Awards
2022 Royal Society Te Aparangi’s Tahunui-a-Rangi award
Tahunui-a-Rangi is awarded to a person or team who, while in New Zealand, has invented or created a unique and ingenious structure, device, product, design, system, process, service or artefact(s) which is significant in its economic, cultural, social or environmental impact.2021 Project management Institute of New York - Operational hijab awarded globally as being within 50 most influential projects and 4th most influential project in the Asia-Pacific region.
2021 Finalist in NZ Best Awards for Public Good
Inclusion - Mess Kit uniform design
Designer and Pattern/Construction Sample management: Deb Cumming
Made to measure tailor: Clothing by Desiree
The Mess Kit uniform design was commissioned by New Zealand Police and developed to meet the needs of Senior women to update the formal dress, considering contemporary aesthetics and positive visual identification within the organization. This Mess Kit uniform is worn by Commissioned Officers and predominantly by those who are ranked Superintendent and above. A capsule collection was developed to offer design choices and inclusive fit for a range of sizes specifically with and for women. Methods included extensive historical and archival research, user-centred research methods with participatory design involving a consultative working group, (advisory officer Capability group, District commanders, senior women ranked Superintendents and above), survey and multiple consultations with women commissioned officers in New Zealand to gather ideas and preferences. Design iterative processes of drawing, pattern and garment sampling were carried out for feedback and selection. A thorough design research and development process resulted in the finalised approved uniform options of a formal tailored jacket, two dresses, two skirts, trousers, and blouse offered for individual selection and made-to-measure fit. The improved Mess Kit has been available to Senior Policewomen for formal wear from 2023.