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Kenyan, 21-year-old model, Halima Aden was born at the Kakuma refugee camp and Sports. Illustrated saw Kenya’s Watamu Beach, as the perfect spot to shoot with photographer, Yu Tsai.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Somali-American model lived in Kakuma until the age of seven before leaving for the United States.
“I keep thinking back to six-year old me who, in this same country, was in a refugee camp,” Halima said.”
Halima found it necessary for young muslim girls to know there was an option available to them, so they could participate in swim class in school and have fun at the beach without compromising values.
“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.
Her appearance at Sports Illustrated comes at a time the magazine is facing criticism over its failure to give recognition to women from different ethnicities. However, the latest edition that represents a complete paradigm shift towards inclusivity will be available in the newsstands in early May 2019.
