Muslim women remove headscarves as London transport fear grows

Hate crime against Muslims is forcing them to avoid London’s transport network, with women taking off their headscarves for fear of attracting attention, the city’s politicians have been told.

Source: National

Muslim woman 'racially abused and spat at' as she shopped with young baby

A woman was reportedly racially abused as she shopped with her ten-month-old baby.

Source: Birmingham Live

Why women are finding freedom in a viral scream club

People are gathering in public spaces to let out a big scream. Some see it as part of a broader movement in which Muslim women are reclaiming how they express themselves.

Muslim women do not need saving, says female leader of mosque at centre of charity run row

“Critics think they’re sticking up for women’s rights, but they’re dismissing that we have a voice and a choice in what we do. Nobody asked us; they just assumed we were banned.”

Source: Guardian

Muslim Women’s Network says charity run could have been more inclusive

A Muslim women’s group said a charity run which excluded females aged over 12 could have been more inclusive and avoided reinforcement of negative stereotypes.

Source: Independent

Peer urges ministers to adopt working group’s Islamophobia definition in full

A crossbench peer who was among five independent experts tasked with producing a non-statutory definition of Islamophobia has urged ministers to adopt the proposal, which was submitted last week.

Source: hyphen

Head of UK Muslim charity ‘deeply worried’ as anti-Muslim hate crimes up by a fifth

The head of a leading UK Muslim charity has said she is “deeply worried” about the unprecedented levels of anxiety in the community as government data shows hate crimes against Muslims are up.

Source: Guardian

The Muslim Finance Girlies are here to help you make the most of your money

Best friends Mashrufa Miah and Hinna Awan, 29, took to social media to launch themselves as the Muslim Finance Girlies. Their aim is to help Muslim women manage and grow their money through short, fun, accessible videos.

Source: hyphen

Muslim convert foster mum offers more than a home

A foster mum who converted to Islam is helping Muslim children in the care system to not lose sight of their religious and cultural heritage.

Source: BBC News

Peterborough students help shape national PE guidance for Muslim girls

Students from Jack Hunt Academy, part of Keys Academies Trust in Peterborough, have played a leading role in a ground-breaking national project to make PE and sport more inclusive for Muslim girls.

Source: Peterborough Telegraph

Swim sessions breaking barriers for Muslim women

A women only swimming session has been helping Bangladeshi Muslim women overcome isolation and improve their health.

UK Muslim women encouraged to report hate to new charity-backed watchdog

Muslim women and girls are being encouraged to report hate and discrimination to a new watchdog run by the Muslim Women’s Network UK.

Source: hyphen

The Muslim women who defied tradition and changed lives with exercise

A fan of sport, Selina tried a local female team but says she faced racism and alienation. The experience made her lose confidence and feel worthless. 

Who is Shabana Mahmood - Britain's new home secretary

After just over a year as justice secretary, which saw her decide to release some prisoners early to free up jail spaces, she will now be in charge of policing, immigration, and the security services.

Source: Sky news

First British Muslim woman jockey makes debut

The first British Muslim woman to win a horse race in Britain has made her amateur debut. Khadijah Mellah, took part in the Gay Kindersley Memorial Amateur Riders Handicap race. 

Source: BBC News

The Birth of Nabaya: Revolutionising Breastfeeding Fashion for Muslim Mothers in the UK

Nabaya, a name that blends the spirit of the traditional abaya with a forward-thinking ethos—is on a mission to transform how Muslim women experience breastfeeding.

Muslim families shield thousands of children from the care system, saving the UK millions

A new report highlights the crucial role British Muslim families play in preventing family breakdown through a strong culture of kinship and community-based care—saving the state an estimated £223 million annually.

Source: The Muslim News

Muslim women say the hijab is empowering as half of Britons believe they are ‘pressured into wearing it’

Muslim women have spoken about how wearing the hijab is “empowering” in the face of a new poll that has revealed almost half of Britons believe that women are pressured into putting it on.

Source: Independent

New trust to monitor anti-Muslim hatred in UK

The UK government has appointed a new partner to monitor anti-Muslim hatred, months after its relationship with the Islamophobia reporting service Tell Mama ended.

Source: Guardian

Want to ban the burka? Try asking the women like me first

The discussion around what female Muslims in the UK should wear often forgets to include the women themselves.

Muslim women in UK media face 'startling' discrimination, survey finds

The Centre for Media Monitoring has carried out a survey of more than 100 Muslim women working across print, broadcast and online media, with a report revealing widespread Islamophobia and toxic newsroom cultures.

Source: The National Scot

Exposed: The Muslim matchmaking site advertising virgin brides

‘Deeply disturbing’ British platform offers polygamous marriages with ‘shy, untouched’ spouses.

Source: Telegraph

'There is space for every girl and woman in football'

Sisters Rosheen Khan, 21, and Eleeza Khan, 19, from Cardiff, made history in 2023 by becoming Wales' first Muslim female football referees.

Source: BBC News

I'm a 20-year-old British Muslim convert - I'm proud to wear the burka

A young Muslim woman who chooses to wear a burka says it makes her feel like herself - and threats to ban face coverings only makes her "stronger".

Source: StokeonTrentLive

Trailblazing Jewish, Muslim and Sikh women awarded UK’s top interfaith honour

Three leading women from Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities have received one of Britain’s highest accolades for interfaith work.

Source: Jewish News

Class-based prejudice didn’t just enable grooming gangs – it emboldened them

 I welcome the call for a national inquiry into grooming gangs and am troubled by the over-representation of Pakistani men in parts of the country, writes Baroness Gohir.

Source: Independent

A burqa ban won’t protect or unite Britain – it will divide us

When politicians stir up fear around the burqa or the veil, they are not defending public safety – they are inflaming prejudice for political gain, writes Baroness Shaista Gohir.

Source: Independent

Once again, British politicians want to ‘ban the burqa’. But this time, I’ve never felt so afraid

These comments from politicians hoping to appease rightwing voters have real repercussions for the safety of Muslim women like me.

Source: Guardian

'I want my art to give a voice to Afghan women'

An Afghan refugee, artist Masuma Anwari hopes to give a voice to women in her home country still living under the Taliban regime.

Source: BBC News

City names first black, hijab-wearing Lord Mayor

The new Lord Mayor of Sheffield has made history as the first black woman wearing a hijab to be appointed to the role.

Source: BCC News

‘More than just running’: the group offering women a path to mental wellbeing

Grassroots groups such as Leicester-based Sisters4Islam create a safe space to tackle loneliness in the Muslim community.

Assisted dying could push disabled people like me into an impossible choice

As a disabled Muslim, my objection to the assisted dying bill is based on three things: religious belief, social justice, and a full knowledge of the reality of disabled people.

Source: hyphen

Poll suggests growing fear among Muslim women in the UK

Research carried out by pollsters Survation found that 30% of Muslim respondents said they did not feel safe going out at night, while more than half said politicians in the UK had made them feel less welcome.

Source: ITV News

Anti-Islamophobia group Tell Mama should face inquiry, says Muslim peer

Shaista Gohir questions Tell Mama’s use of public funds, creating debate over its role, accountability and future.

Source: Guardian

U.K. Panel Calls for Ban on Images of Unveiled Muslim Women

Possessing non-consensual images of a Muslim woman who is not wearing face covering should be classified as a criminal offense—even if the photos are taken in public—according to a new parliamentary committee report.

Source: Middle East Forum

Doncaster Muslim women spread Eid cheer with gift bags for non-Muslim neighbours

Members of Lajna Ima’illah Doncaster – the women’s auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association – spread some festive joy by dishing out presents to neighbours, friends, and acquaintances.

Source: Doncaster Free Press

Muslim women's boxing coach 'pushing for change'

A women's boxing coach from Birmingham said she would keep "pushing for change" in the sport after her work was recognised at the Muslim Boxing Awards.

Source: BBC News

Muslim Heritage Month celebrates a rich contribution to UK society

Organised by the Muslim Women’s Network UK, the initiative highlights the deep roots of Muslim communities across the country.

‘If not me, then who?’ Meet the women reshaping local politics

Women of colour have long been underrepresented in public office across the UK, but that is gradually changing.

Ola Labib: ‘I want to be the person who bonds people through laughter’

The comedian on the inspiration behind her Channel 4 pilot The Pharmacy.

Possessing photos of a Muslim woman without her hijab should be made a criminal offence, MPs say

The Commons' women and equalities committee said pictures of a Muslim woman without her headscarf – taken without her consent – should be considered 'non-consensual intimate images'.

Source: Daily Mail

Celebrating British Muslim women at Darjeeling Express

In the week marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for millions of Muslims across the globe, The King and Queen celebrated the creativity and contribution of Muslim women during an event at Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant in central London.

Source: The Royal Family

BBC Gladiators star in show first as she hopes to 'inspire and empower'

Aneila, a supply teacher, said it was important to wear her hijab so other Muslim women and girls could see themselves represented on TV.

Domestic abuse specialists placed in 999 control rooms after women's murders

Reason behind pink arch structure in Centenary Square Bradford

STRIKING pink arches inspired by the holy month of Ramadan will glow in Bradford city centre ahead of a special festival.

Source: Telegraph & Argus

Women and Equalities Committee launches new inquiry into gendered Islamophobia

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) is today (Thursday, 13 February) launching a new inquiry examining issues around gendered Islamophobia.

Source: UK Parliament

The Muslim women rejecting marriage and choosing to be single

They are pushing back against cultural and religious expectations — not due to a lack of suitors, but as a conscious choice for autonomy and a deeper connection to their faith

Khadija Patel makes Cycling UK’s prestigious top 100 list

An inspiring volunteer from Bolton has been listed in Cycling UK’s ‘100 Women in Cycling’ for her impact in sport in her home town.

Source: The Bolton News

Hijab: 'It's our choice and our identity'

For Shreen Mahmood, widening the discussion on wearing the hijab cannot come soon enough, after she faced discrimination and hatred.

Source: BBC News

‘My hijab is my strength. I see it as a crown on my head'

For World Hijab Day on 1 February, five women reflect on how Islamic attire can be a symbol of empowerment and identity.

Outgoing Muslim Council leader speaks about difficulties faced

The rise in Islamophobia has personally affected Zara Mohammed, who faces frequent abuse online. She was also the victim of a hate incident on the London Underground by a man who used offensive language. 

'I've had milkshake thrown at my car and my flat egged'

After a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas over the conflict in Gaza, two women - one Muslim and the other Jewish - have spoken out about the discrimination they have faced.

Source: BBC News

Muslim women taking up archery

Jamila Bi had always wanted to pick up a bow and arrow. She found that shooting the bow was not just good exercise, it also improved her mental and spiritual wellbeing. Soon she was eager to introduce more people from her community to the sport. 

Source: hyphen

How sport hijabs give girls freedom to play football

Specially-adapted hijabs are helping Muslim pupils have the confidence to play football.

Source: BBC News

'My hijab is a Superman cape when I play football'

Muslim teenagers at an all-girls school who won a national football championship said they felt empowered to play in their hijabs and likened it to superheroes wearing capes.

Source: BBC News

'I used religion and sport to find my inner peace'

Plymouth para powerlifter Doaa Shayea credits religion and sport for helping her on her journey to find inner peace. The 26-year-old, who was born with a spinal condition known as spina bifida, said she felt as though society had "constantly underestimated" her.

Source: BBC News

BBC 100 Women 2024: Who is on the list this year?

BBC 100 Women acknowledges the toll this year has taken on women by celebrating those who – through their resilience – are pushing for change, as the world changes around them.

Source: BBC News

Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.

Source: UN

Malala: I never imagined women's rights would be lost so easily

A bullet failed to silence her, now Malala Yousafzai is lending her voice to the women of Afghanistan. In just a few years since the Taliban retook control of the country, women's rights have been eroded to the point where even singing is banned.

The Western dehumanization of Muslims

These people are just that — people. They are haunted by the images coming out of their home countries. They did not choose these wars, but they have to live with them, while they do not get to see their families.

Source: Arab News

Muslims face ‘bleak and dystopian’ climate in UK

Shabna Begum says racist riots will return if Islamophobia continues to be ‘an acceptable currency’ in politics.

Source: Guardian

Muslim women feel stereotyped in media and advertising – report

A new report has shown that only one in five Muslim women (19%) feel that Muslims are represented positively in advertising, while more than half (58%) feel that they are stereotyped in ads and media.

Source: MEDIASHOTZ

Muslim women in STEM

Hyphen sits down with four women working across science and engineering to talk about the barriers still facing them today.

Refugee runner is Afghan women's 'voice for change'

A former Afghan refugee who works as an NHS nurse wants to inspire more women, especially from the Muslim community into sports after she completed a 26-hour ultramarathon.

Source: BBC News

FA apologises to female Muslim footballer over tracksuit bottoms ban

Iqra Ismail was meant to come on as a half-time substitute for United Dragons in a Greater London Women’s Football League fixture against Tower Hamlets on Sunday, but she was prevented from entering the field of play by the referee.

Source: Guardian

Weaving stories into fashion

Three Black Muslim fashion designers share how their faith, heritage and family inspire their creative work.

White Islam convert ‘told to remove hijab at work’ sues for discrimination

Caucasian Muslim claims she was dismissed from Dundee care home because she wore the religious head covering.

Source: Telegraph

Ayan Aden has been named as the new Birmingham Poet Laureate

Ayan Aden has been named as the new Birmingham Poet Laureate during a National Poetry Day celebration, as part of the 25th anniversary edition of Birmingham Literature Festival.

Source: Writing West Midlands

Abtaha Maqsood: The hijab-wearing Scotland cricketer breaking stereotypes

Once too shy to speak to Shane Warne, the spin-bowler has since captained her country and become a role model for Muslim women everywhere.

Source: Telegraph

UK Islamophobia: Why Sayeeda Warsi had to leave a party she no longer recognised

The former cabinet minister had become increasingly estranged from the Tories as the party lurched towards the far right.

Source: Middle East Eye

Domestic abuse experts to be embedded in 999 control rooms

Domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in 999 control rooms in England and Wales as part of the government's pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

Source: BBC News

UK government quietly backs away from Islamophobia definition

The Labour government appears to have quietly backed away from adopting a definition of Islamophobia proposed by MPs that campaigners say is needed to tackle rising hate crime against Muslims.

‘Quite shocking’ lack of government contact during UK riots, says MCB head

The head of the Muslim Council of Britain has called for an explanation and a review of the government’s policy of non-engagement with the body after her appeals for contact during the summer riots were ignored.

Source: Guardian

How woman with coconut placard was tracked down, taken to court - and acquitted

Marieha Hussain told the court that on the drive home from the demonstration, a family friend messaged to tell her that her photo had been posted by an anonymous right-wing blog called Harry’s Place and that it was going viral on X (it has since been viewed more than four million times).

Source: BBC News

Teacher quits school to set up jiu-jitsu classes

A former primary teacher has hung up her text books to provide classes of a different kind - for Muslim girls to learn combat martial arts.

Teen could face jail after yelling religious abuse

Max Ritchings, 18, shouted abuse relating to Muslims at Madeira Drive, near Brighton Pier, during Pride weekend on 4 August, amid disorder across the country.

Source: BBC News

Man on train tells Muslim woman he might 'kill her' while walking home

A Muslim woman who was racially abused by a man on a train and told she might be killed "while you're walking home" has said the experience left her feeling "really uncomfortable and intimidated".

Source: Yahoo News

Man convicted in 'landmark' FGM conspiracy case

A former PhD student has been found guilty of conspiring to commit female genital mutilation (FGM) in what has been described as a "landmark case".

Grenfell inquiry: Muslim survivors were 'denied halal food' while being rehoused

Report finds diverse communities were let down in aftermath of deadly blaze in London that killed 72 residents.

Source: Middle East Eye

Muslim wrestlers hit out at uniform rules

Female members of a wrestling club have been unable to compete in international competitions because they refuse to wear a singlet for religious reasons.

Source: BBC News

Muslims worried about their safety after far-right riots

Three-quarters of Muslims say they are worried about their safety, according to a new survey - a rise of almost 60% since the week of far-right rioting that took place across the UK.

Source: Sky News

UK women of colour learn self-defence in response to racist riots

Muslim women in Britain have enrolled for self-defence classes, amid riots and unrest.

Source: Reutors

A week of riots across the UK filled me with fear, but Wednesday’s show of solidarity has given me hope

The racists have done one constructive thing: rallied support for the thriving communities they sought to destroy.

Source: Guardian

Muslim women reveal how scared they are amid 'far right' riots

Muslim women have been sharing their concerns on social media sites including TikTok, revealing they feel frightened to leave home wearing their hijabs during the recent violence.

Source: Daily Mail

Olympic fencer Nada Hafez competes while seven months pregnant

The 26-year-old fencer from Cairo overcame the odds to beat the United States' Elizabeth Tartakovsky, a former US college champion, in the round of 32 of the women's sabre.

Ikrah Hussain: the 13-year-old Muslim Taekwondo champion fighting stereotypes

Teenager is a two-time British national champion who took up the sport after being bullied.

Source: Guardian

'Basketball changed my life as a Muslim; now I help other women play, too’

Isra Mohamed, 22, proves the power of sport to other women in her Somali community.

Source: Women's Health

The Olympics should be for all women, including Muslim women

Excitement is mounting ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, but in a country which proclaims its devotion to “égalité”, Muslim women athletes are being left out and discriminated against – simply because they refuse to give up their right to wear what they want.

Source: Amnesty International

Shabana Mahmood becomes first Muslim Lord Chancellor

Labour MP Shabana Mahmood becomes first Muslim Lord Chancellor and the second woman to hold this post. She is now the most senior Muslim in government.

Source: Arab News

Moroccan surfer Maryam El Gardoum breaks waves

Staying active: Muslim women are joining running clubs

Bethannie Nasri helped set up the fortnightly 37 Club in Salford after noticing a number of women, particularly from Muslim communities, wanted a safe space to exercise and socialise.

Source: BBC News

Mosque fights domestic and sexual abuse stigma

More than 200 people attended Husaini Islamic Centre in Peterborough when they held a domestic abuse and sexual violence awareness event in a bid to fight stigma around the crimes. 

Source: BBC

Mountain challenge inspires women to overcome fears

A world record holder who has inspired a group of women to climb the highest peak in north Africa said she was "very proud" some had overcome a fear of hiking to take on the challenge.

NUS reaches ‘substantial’ settlement with former president Shaima Dallali

The UK's national student body conceded that holding pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist views are protected, and that Dallali was entitled to hold those beliefs.

Source: Middle East Eye

Muslim women's boxing coach 'pushing for change'

A women's boxing coach from Birmingham said she would keep "pushing for change" in the sport after her work was recognised at the Muslim Boxing Awards.