Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: How the Sweaty Betty Foundation Sports Hijab is Empowering Muslim Girls
Blog written by Afsana Lachaux (Director, Sweaty Betty Foundation)
When Nouhaila Benzina proudly wore the hijab on the world's biggest sporting stage in 2023, it wasn't just a historic moment - it ignited a spark of hope in Muslim girls worldwide. It showed them that their dreams of sporting glory weren't just dreams, they were achievable.
But despite this inspiration, the reality is that Muslim girls still face significant hurdles in participating in sports. A recent study revealed that while 97% of British Muslim women want to be more active, a staggering 37% remain completely uninvolved. This gap is further highlighted by the Sport England Active Lives Survey, where girls from minority backgrounds consistently lag behind their white counterparts in participation rates.
One of the key barriers these girls face is the lack of culturally appropriate clothing. The hijab, a symbol of faith and identity for many, can unintentionally become a hurdle when conventional options are ill-suited for physical activity. Issues like breathability, slippage, and affordability can prevent girls from embracing sports with confidence.
The Sweaty Betty Foundation is committed to creating systemic change for girls who are least active, and we believe clothing can be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers.
We didn't just design a sports hijab; we co-created it with the girls themselves. Through workshops and open discussions with Muslim girls across the UK, we listened to their experiences and understood their needs. Safety, breathability, affordability, and most importantly, their unique design preferences, became the cornerstones of our project.
Our design experts at Sweaty Betty collaborated with This Girl Can Leeds and sports activist Lipa Nessa to recraft the sports hijab. Who better to shape a solution than those who intimately understand the challenges?
Our co-designed hijabs, tested and refined by the girls themselves, are a testament to empowerment. They are not just garments; they are a symbol of their voice, their identity, and their right to participate.
And as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, the Foundation, through our unique partnership with Sweaty Betty, is thrilled to announce the donation of a set number of hijabs to girls across the U.K. This initiative ensures that every girl has the opportunity to discover the joy, confidence, and strength that come with physical activity.
This International Women's Day, as we launch the co-designed sports hijab, we celebrate the progress we've made, but we also acknowledge the journey ahead. By working together, listening to girls, and empowering them to be the architects of change, we can dream of a world where every girl, regardless of background or belief, can experience the joy of movement and achieve their sporting aspirations.
Join us in making this dream a reality. Get in touch to learn more and support our mission.
The dream continues.
COUCH TO 5K (C25k)
Our 2023 Couch to 5K crew at Kirkstall Abbey was a blast! Back in April, over 60 awesome women kicked off this fitness adventure, turning the Abbey grounds into our own little triumph zone.
We had it all – from first steps to cheering each other through those last sprints. The Abbey wasn't just a running track; it became a community space where we motivated and celebrated together. Personal records were shattered, endurance was built, and we all crossed that 5K finish line with our heads held high.
Big shout out to everyone who joined the fun.
“SHAHCK OUT – Get Out”
Another successful co-produced project Active Leeds - Leeds Girls Can worked alongside some of the amazing RJC Dance "Shahck Out" girls.
Following “Shahck Out Get Out” presenting their funding proposal to the team at The Sweaty Betty Foundation x Sweaty Betty . Their idea to take a group of black and brown Girls out of the area where they reside, attend education and dance, to experience sports and physical activity was born. The girls took part in a menu of in and outdoor activities that they would never get the opportunity to try without the funding and staff support from RJC Dance. Sessions included Go- Ape High tree challenge, West Leeds Activity Centre – water slide, Herd Farm – team building obstacle course and not forgetting the White Rose escape room activity.
Thank to The Sweaty Betty Foundation x Sweaty Betty for developing a funding scheme for the next generation of women.
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