Australian Muslim Women Work it All Out

Here’s an interesting and rather ingenious initiative: Ismahan Abdulkadir, a female Muslim resident in Chadstone, Australia had the bright idea of applying to the local government for a grant to run a Girls Only Gym.

And she got it: $2000 Australian to set up the program and give young Muslim women the chance to exercise freely and comfortably.

Make Yourselves Comfortable, Ladies…

Ms Abdulkadir pointed out to local authorities, that Muslim women couldn’t exercise the way they wanted to in the presence of men, as they had to cover all but their hands and face.

Now, these young ladies are fighting fit and uninhibited, happily exercising in their new “girls-only” environment. They can wear what they like and work out to their hearts’ content.

“When you’re wearing everything to cover you, you get a bit sweaty and it’s hard to exercise properly.” Ms Abdulkadir told the Waverley Leader.

Taking the Initiative

Ismahan, an Australian University student applied for a grant through Youth Foundations Victoria – a partnership initiative of the State Government and Bendigo Bank. She received her grant at the beginning of this year. The initiative offers funding to youth-orientated community activities in the region’s suburbs.

Ms Abdulkadir openly admitted she was “thrilled” to be running the course this year

“I feel like I’m giving the girls I know a great opportunity,” she said.

“Most of my friends come from Muslim backgrounds and I just wanted to make an environment where we were comfortable and could work out.”

Exercise for Everyone!

The weekly Girls Only Gym sessions will run for 20 weeks and will be led by a female instructor. Muslim or non-Muslim, any young woman from the local area who would like to work out in a female-only exercise class is welcome to enroll.

“It is open to anyone,” Ms Abdulkadir said.