The Muslim women in Derby who defied tradition and changed lives with exercise

The Muslim women in Derby who defied tradition and changed lives with exercise

Natasha Turney from BBC Investigations in East Midlands reports on the transformative impact of a community center in Normanton, Derby on Muslim women’s health and well-being. The center offers weekly exercise sessions that have empowered women like Selina, who faced discrimination and alienation in other fitness environments. Selina’s journey from feeling worthless to reclaiming her space and training as a coach highlights the positive impact of the exercise project.

The data from Sport England reveals a concerning statistic – 42% of British Muslim women are inactive, double the figure for the female population as a whole. Furthermore, about 30% of British Muslim women aged 65 or older report being in “bad or very bad health.” This disparity in health outcomes is echoed in the Normanton and Arboretum wards, which have some of the lowest life expectancy rates in Derby. In response, the exercise project aims to encourage more Muslim women to engage in physical activity to improve their health and mental well-being.

The story of Habiba, a 68-year-old participant in the fitness classes, sheds light on the cultural barriers that discourage older Muslim women from exercising. Despite facing resistance from her husband and cultural norms, Habiba’s determination to improve her health through swimming and Pilates has led to significant health improvements. Her story reflects a growing awareness within the community about the importance of physical activity for overall well-being.

The project’s success can be attributed to the dedication of individuals like Amjad Ashraf, who spearheaded the initiative to address

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More