Swim sessions breaking barriers for Muslim women

Nagina Khan (left) pictured with Hanna Begum and Lizzetta Grainger, said the sessions have created a positive impact on the Bangladeshi female community

A women only swimming session has been helping Bangladeshi Muslim women overcome isolation and improve their health.

Participants said it has been the first opportunity for some of them to learn swimming in a setting that respects their modesty and cultural values.

Regular attendee, Ruksana Rafiq told the BBC the sessions have helped her gain confidence as well as a sense of community.

The weekly sessions at Sandwell Aquatics Centre (SAC) in Smethwick has helped break cultural, religious, and practical barriers in accessing mainstream leisure facilities, organisers said.

The SAC arranged the sessions alongside the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre (BIC) on Lewisham Road.

Nagina Khan, head of Supporting Women From Isolation To Empowerment (SWFITE) team at BIC, said the collaboration had been "incredibly positive" on the Bangaldeshi community.

She said: "For many of our ladies this has been their first opportunity to learn or improve their swimming skills in a setting that fully respects their modesty and cultural values.

"Beyond physical health, the sessions have helped to reduce feelings of isolation by providing a welcoming space for women to come together, socialise, and build supportive networks."

Ms Rafiq, 45, from Smethwick,said the sessions have helped her gain new friends.

"I have loved swimming from a young age, it was always a hobby of mine," she said.

"As a full-time mum, I never had time for myself. BIC gave me the confidence to join their swimming group as it's ladies only, which made me feel comfortable.

"I have gained time to exercise, and I have gained many new friends too, which has made me happy. What more could I ask for?".

Lizzetta Grainger, Assistant Leisure Manager at SAC said the initiative reflects the centre's commitment to community cohesion.

She said: "It ensures that all women have the opportunity to enjoy physical activity in an environment that respects their cultural and religious needs.£