Ministers express outrage as charity run advertised as “inclusive” bars women and girls from taking part
BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
A charity fun run organised by one of Britain’s largest mosques has sparked controversy after it emerged that women and girls aged 12 and over were barred from taking part.
According to ITV News, the “Muslim Charity Run,” held annually in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, was promoted as an inclusive five-kilometre event “for runners and supporters of all ages and abilities.” However, registration rules stated that only men and boys could compete, alongside girls under the age of 12.
The event, organised by the East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre, aimed to raise money for a range of good causes. But the exclusion of adult women prompted criticism from ministers, equality campaigners, and members of the local community.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed told ITV News he was “horrified” by the decision, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and saying that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) would look into whether the policy breached equality laws.
Baroness Shaista Gohir, chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network UK,acknowledged that even though single-sex charity runs are permissible within the law, the event organiser could have adopted different solutions to accommodate everyone’s needs, such as letting women participate at a different time or in separate groups.
“Such adjustments would have been straightforward and would have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion while avoiding the reinforcement of negative stereotypes about Muslims. It is worth noting that during the pilgrimage to Makkah, men and women are often in close proximity, far more so than would occur during a charity run.”
She also pointed out that media coverage showed hostility towards Muslims rather than genuine concern for women’s equality.
“The level of scrutiny in this case appears to have less to do with advancing equality for Muslim women and more to do with an opportunity to be negative about Muslims. If the concern for women’s rights were genuine, there would be equal focus on the widespread anti-Muslim abuse that Muslim women endure in today’s hostile environment.”
The East London Mosque defended the event’s format, arguing it was compliant with the Equality Act 2010, which allows certain gender-specific activities. The organisers said the event had “always been held in accordance with the law” and pointed out that other single-sex sporting events also exist in the UK.
Tower Hamlets Council said it had sought “urgent clarification” about the event’s eligibility criteria, while equality lawyers quoted by the Evening Standard suggested that the inclusion of girls under 12 might undermine claims that the race qualified as a lawful single-sex event.
The EHRC has confirmed it is examining the case to determine whether the event’s rules breached the Equality Act.
A spokesperson from the charity event said: “We remain committed to listening to the needs of our community and ensuring our programmes serve everyone.”
“The East London Mosque is due to launch a new women’s fitness and wellness hub in November, further strengthening our support for women’s health and empowerment,” he added.
The controversy about the muslim charity run comes after bigger debates about cultural integration, equality, and Islamophobia in the UK.
Speaking to the UN General Assembly in New York, Donald Trump claimed that “London wants to go to Sharia law,” while attacking Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed,” he added.
A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said: “We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response.”
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