The summer of 2024 has been jam-packed for MSA! From our 10-year anniversary event, the annual Dragon Boat Race, Heritage Project and the launch of a brand new podcast, our participants, volunteers and stakeholders have been busy exercising both body and mind.
Whilst engagement at face-to-face sessions has been paramount for us we also want to hear from you online. Maybe you’ve reached a new milestone in one of our weekly sports sessions, found comfort in in our Positive Minds group or learned about the history of Muslim women in sport through our projects. Whatever it is, we want to hear how you’ve engaged with MSA and how it has helped you or anyone you know. We currently have over 2000 members registered with us and hearing from you will help us not only align our values with your needs but spread the word of MSA far and wide!
We’re live on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube so get in touch or email us at msanews@muslimahsports.org.uk.
Our work in the online sphere is continuing to expand across various platforms with one of our major projects being the Empower Her Play podcast hosted by Founder Yashmin Harun alongside Salma Islam Quaium and Shafia Begum. Topics range from the best type of exercises for your body, overcoming generational preconceptions and personal relationships to sports. The podcast is a laughter-infused and thought-provoking look into the lives of women in sport.
Check out our latest podcast episode here:
In light of the Olympic hijab ban, we also joined the Full Time Europe podcast, the show about women’s football to discuss the importance of the hijab in sport. We explain that having athletes who wear the hijab is not only a form of inclusivity in sport but creates positive role models for Muslim women around the world. Having people who look akin to you presented on the world stage as elite performers is something all communities should strive to achieve.
Full Time Europe podcast available here:
This idea was echoed in a special edition of The Forum, a publication of the Muslim Charities Forum – a network for British Muslim charities. In its sixth issue Inspiring Stories: The Blessings of the Sisters, Founder Yashmin spoke about her incredible journey from sports player and fan to Founder of MSA. She has worked tirelessly over the years to increase the presence of Muslim women in sports both in participation and the workforce. Ten years on, she now sits on boards and committees whilst working with industry officials like the Football Association and British Fencing.
Digital download is available here:
The London Metropolitan Archives will also be launching a digital oral history project from our summer Heritage Project. We will be working with them to create digital contents for the website where they will be able to listen to women’s stories and experiences through digital downloaded sounds. Oral history is a big part of London’s history the LMA holds a range of archives dedicated to this and the diversity of the city. MSA will be adding to the collection in digital format thus cementing their place in sports history.
Online engagement is a great way for us to see tangible effects of reaching our audiences so get in touch! Whether you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page or reach out to us directly via email or social media.
