The majority (70%) of Asian women in London want to be more active outdoors, and eight in ten (82%) of Black women in London want to be more active outdoors.

Muslimah Sports Association, helping Muslim women in London, to get active outdoors is being celebrated through the Let’s Get Out There initiative.

Seven in ten women in London (69%) would like to do more physical activity outdoors, but are held back by multiple barriers, according to new research.

This Girl Can – the nationwide campaign from Sport England to support all women to get active – recognises the barriers are felt even more by certain communities. The majority of Asian women (70%) and Black women (82%) in London want to be more active outdoors but are held back by barriers including not having enough time and not having access to local green spaces.

Members of Muslimah Sports Association, a London based group aiming to empower Muslim women.

placeholder image — Members of Muslimah Sports Association, a London based group aiming to empower Muslim women.

As part of the Let’s Get Out There initiative, This Girl Can is shining a light on London community group, Muslimah Sports Association, who are paving the way for women from diverse communities to get active outdoors this summer. By giving a platform to the groups already paving the way in this space, This Girl Can hopes to inspire the inception of more groups across the country, as well as showing women there are groups out there for them.

Muslimah Sports Association offers a safe space for Muslim women to enjoy exercise barrier free and without compromising their religious or cultural beliefs.

Founder of Muslimah Sports Association, Yashmin, comments: “Significant barriers remain for Muslim women in sport and research over the past 20 years shows little change in the challenges they face, such as limited opportunities and access to suitable facilities.

"Muslimah creates environments where Muslim women feel comfortable voicing their needs without fear of judgement, providing female only spaces and ensuring respectful male involvement when necessary.”

The survey found that not feeling fit enough (22%), not having enough time (26%) and not wanting to show their body (16%) are the biggest barriers women in London face to getting active outdoors.

Kate Dale, Director of Marketing at Sport England and This Girl Can, said: “With the weather hopefully warming up this summer, women want to get active outdoors - but numerous barriers like not having enough time, feeling self-conscious and not having anyone to go with are holding them back. Some of these are felt even more by different communities.

“This Girl Can celebrates and supports women being active in a way that’s right for them. Let’s Get Out There is highlighting the great work that community leaders are already doing to help every woman enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity.”

In addition to Muslimah Sports Association, This Girl Can is working with other groups including Swim Sista Swim in Nottingham, Saheli Hub in Birmingham, Blaze Trails in York and Muslimah Sports Association in East London.

With the support of Forestry England, Canal & River Trust and Ordnance Survey, Let’s Get Out There is highlighting the work of these organisations and community leaders to help reduce barriers for women to get active outdoors and encourage others across the sector to follow suit.

The campaign aims for women to think of nature and outdoor spaces as places to enjoy, for both improving their physical health at low costs and general wellbeing.