Women-Only Sessions Provide Safe Space for Muslim Swimmers in UK
The weekly sessions are held at Sandwell Aquatics Centre (SAC) in partnership with the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre (BIC) on Lewisham Road. Organizers say the project helps women overcome barriers that have previously limited their access to mainstream leisure facilities.
Nagina Khan, who leads the Supporting Women From Isolation To Empowerment (SWFITE) team at BIC, said many participants were taking swimming lessons for the first time.
“For many of our ladies this has been their first opportunity to learn or improve their swimming skills in a setting that fully respects their modesty and cultural values,” she said.
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She added that the initiative was not only about physical health but also about addressing social isolation. “The sessions have helped to reduce feelings of isolation by providing a welcoming space for women to come together, socialise, and build supportive networks.”
Regular attendee Ruksana Rafiq, 45, from Smethwick, said the group had boosted her confidence. “As a full-time mum, I never had time for myself. BIC gave me the confidence to join their swimming group as it’s ladies only, which made me feel comfortable,” she said.
The swimming programme was also described by SAC staff as part of wider efforts to ensure all women have access to physical activity in settings that reflect their needs.
Source: Agencies
