Muslim Women in Sport

The world of sport is male dominated and women often come up against considerable challenges. In this fact sheet we address those issues faced by Muslim women and consider what their religion says about participation.

Islam, Muslim women and sport Participation and health

For many Muslim women religious beliefs and There is currently little statistical data available values give meaning to the ways in which they that shows physical activity participation by structure and approach their life. is a different religious groups. With respect to fundamental aspect of their identity and their Muslim participation rates, participation by approach to sport is often determined by ethnicity is often the closest monitor that exists religious, cultural and ethnic factors. e.g. over 90 per cent of people from Pakistan In general, Islam promotes good health and and Bangladesh are Muslims (Census2001). fitness and encourages both men and women to Obviously though people from other ethnic engage in physical activity to maintain healthy groups also follow Islam. lifestyles. However, there are aspects of the Among ethnic minority communities, religion which affect how sports can be participation is well below the national average. practised, for example; women following their Only 12.5% of Asian women do enough faith cannot engage in mixed gender sports and exercise each week to benefit their health the environment and dress code also requires compared to 18.8% of White women (3 x 30 consideration. minutes – Active People Survey 2007). This clearly demonstrates that there is a need for

specific interventions to be developed to ensure Due to religious misinterpretations or simply a that Muslim women specifically have the lack of awareness, many Muslim women have opportunity to participate in sport and physical been prevented or not felt able to participate in activity, and also to gain from the associated sports. For many, apprehension about taking health benefits that being active brings. part stems from a fear of discrimination or of Low levels of participation inevitably have facing negative attitudes from service providers negative health implications and the 2004 in relation to their religious and cultural needs. Health Survey for England confirmed greater levels of ill health were reported amongst ethnic minorities. Participation in sport is an excellent preventative measure for many diseases and can also play an important role in treatment. Fostering changes in participation habits at an early age and getting young girls to enjoy the sporting experience is crucial to ensuring participation into adulthood. Service providers should also consider using sport as a mechanism for promoting good health in communities.

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation and Sporting Equals. Review Date Jan 2010

Muslim women’s attitudes towards sports and physical activity In general, Islam promotes good health and fitness and encourages In addition to sports providers considering how both men and women to engage in to design their services in order to appeal to physical activity to maintain Muslim women, the attitudes of Muslim women and girls towards sport and activity need to be healthy lifestyles. sensitively developed in order to increase participation. Muslim women’s attitudes towards sport are Comparisons between Muslim women’s attitudes also inevitably affected by a lack of visible role towards sport in different countries have models. However, in recent years this has provided interesting results. In traditional started to change, Muslim women athletes Muslim countries attitudes are actually far more competed in and were involved with the positive towards PE than in the UK. Young organisation of the Beijing . Muslim women in the UK seem to have very Although none of these women were from the negative views regarding PE in schools. UK this can still be used to demonstrate to Research conducted with Muslim girls in the young Muslim women in this country that school environment has demonstrated that the wearing the (head scarf) is not an obstacle girls were put off participating in sporting to excelling in life and sports. Celebrating and activities to the point where some were skipping promoting these positive images is key to classes. This was due to a requirement to developing long term attitudinal change and shower communally and wear clothing which increasing participation levels. was considered as ‘inappropriate’ to the children’s cultural traditions and beliefs. The As well as a lack of role models, family researchers (Carroll and Hollinshead) found that expectations about the role of young women ‘for the devout Muslims there is a real feeling of have an impact on participation. A study carried guilt and shame at exposing their bodies and out by Loughborough University in 2006 legs which had not been fully appreciated by the revealed extensive parental influence on young teachers.’ women’s involvement in sport and over their lives as a whole; It highlighted the extent to This and similar studies help to demonstrate which young Muslim women ‘navigated between that young Muslim women’s attitudes towards their family identity and the experiences they sport and fitness activities in the UK are heavily were exposed to on a day-to-day basis’. Sports’ influenced by the way activities are delivered deliverers should consider the importance of and whether due regard is given to cultural getting family “buy in” for female participation sensitivities. when developing programmes.

There is also a recognised need for further research in this area as many studies around Muslim women date back to the 1990’s. Generational change accompanied with immigration trends mean further understanding around communities and cultural issues like country of origin is required.

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation and Sporting Equals. Review Date Jan 2010 Barriers facing Muslim women’s participation in sport Communication

The barriers to participation for Muslim women Language is often a barrier as being are not hugely different from those faced by unable to communicate causes many women. The table below illustrates the anxiety and uncertainty around how most common reasons given for non to approach and access services. participation and engagement in sport and Lack of women only sessions physical activity. Most Muslim women will only play Dress code sport in a female only environment. Childcare Sports facilities/ teams/ clubs do not always appreciate the need for Traditionally the sole responsibility of modest dress. women. Although attitudes are Facilities changing provision of crèche facilities will allow greater access for women Facilities need to be clean and water with children. available to thoroughly wash after Socio-economic differences using the wc. Provision of a prayer room or quiet area is required as Statistically BME people earn less most Muslim women will observe than their white counterparts which payer during specified times in the limits access particularly for women day. who often give financial priority to Lack of Role Models their families. Time The visibility of British BME women in sport will help to break barriers and Other commitments such as childcare make the environment more inclusive. and running the home take priority Parental Approval and sports organisations should consult with the community regarding This is especially important for young the timetabling of events. women whose parents need to understand the benefits of sport to Employment allow them to encourage out of school activities and feel comfortable More needs to be done to encourage that the environment will be safe. young women to access employment Transport within the sector to help break down barriers and act as a resource to It is often more appropriate for equip other staff with knowledge women to access services locally as about the communities they serve. most will not have access to transport This includes the admin side of sport. and will be reluctant to use public Environment transport in the evening if they are on their own. Safety, lighting and security are Social Side important to prevent racially motivated incidents. The traditional social side of sport Information does not link in with the religious requirements of Muslim women who Information should be made available do not drink alcohol and will not in other languages and services partake in activity which may be marketed in appropriate places such consider in appropriate and as schools and mosques to ensure incompatible with their beliefs. women become aware of what’s on offer.

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation and Sporting Equals. Review Date Jan 2010

Designing programmes for • Develop Positive Action initiatives to increase Muslim women your workforce profile to reflect the community it serves. Sport and physical activity providers need to respect religious difference. This is especially • Encourage volunteers from within Muslim important for Muslim women as they are often communities. overlooked by providers and discriminated against on the grounds of religion and belief. • Ensure action is taken in the face of Religious and cultural barriers make it difficult discrimination or stereotyping. for Muslim women to participate in sport as • Ensure male participants or coaches can’t people are often lacking sensitivity or attend or accidentally walk in. understanding of their requirement around clothing, privacy and single sex provision. The Muslim faith itself should not be seen as a Facilities barrier to participation as Islam presents a • Make sure the changing rooms, showering positive outlook towards health and well being. and WC facilities are safe, private However, Islam does require that certain environments which cannot be overlooked. practices and procedures are followed. The guidelines below can help providers to ensure • If windows can be peered into they should that their activities are more accessible to be covered up or blacked out. Muslim women. • Signs should be put on doors when female sessions are in practice. • Arrange special women-only coaching • Cameras should be turned off when sessions sessions. take place. • Have experienced women available to help • Ensure that female staff are on duty only beginners and female lifeguards etc. are provided • Highlight the fact that certain sessions are intended to provide supportive environments for women users. This fact sheet has been produced by • Use positive imagery in promoting your the Women’s Sport and Fitness sport. Foundation and Sporting Equals. Should you require further information please • Allow a wide range of clothing choices, for contact either [email protected] or example in women may wish to [email protected] wear more than what conventional swimming costumes may allow. The Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation has also been engaged in the • Try to identify role models within the development of this fact sheet and can community who can break down barriers be contacted via [email protected] with parents.

• Provide opportunities for social interaction as

many women enjoy doing sport as it provides social opportunities. • Advertise in places such as playgroups, schools and doctors surgeries to attract Muslim women with children who may not otherwise hear about sessions.

• Assist by providing crèche facilities. • Provide interpretation services if necessary.

Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation and Sporting Equals. Review Date Jan 2010