Muslim Woman Honoured With British Citizen Award Speaks Out and Reveals What She Will Continue Doing After Facing Criticism for Wearing a Niqab
Khadija Patel, a Muslim woman from Bolton, has spoken out after receiving online abuse because she wore a niqab while accepting an award for her work helping young women.
The 39-year-old was given a British Citizen Award for the work she has done to encourage children and young people to take part in sport. A photograph showed Khadija wearing her niqab while receiving the award at the Palace of Westminster in London.
After the picture was shared online, it quickly attracted attention and many negative comments. Some people criticised her for covering her face and questioned how a woman wearing a niqab could be described as empowering other women.
Khadija said the criticism was upsetting, but she made it clear that it would not stop her from continuing her work.
She said people should judge her by what she does for others rather than by the clothes she chooses to wear. According to Khadija, wearing the niqab is her personal choice and makes her feel comfortable and confident.
She explained that the niqab does not change who she is or prevent her from helping people. She said she still loves her community and remains passionate about giving young people opportunities to become involved in sport.
Khadija was born and raised in Bolton and founded KRIMMZ Youth Club, an organisation that provides sporting and emotional wellbeing activities for children and young people.
The organisation particularly supports girls from ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities who may otherwise struggle to access certain sporting activities. Many of its sessions are for girls only, although the organisation also provides activities for boys and children with additional needs.
KRIMMZ works with organisations including the Lancashire Football Association to provide sporting opportunities. Khadija said the aim is to make sport more accessible and help young people build confidence.
She recently attended the Palace of Westminster to receive the British Citizen Award, which recognises people who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Khadija said she felt overwhelmed and humbled to receive the recognition. She said the work being done through the youth club is having a major impact by helping young people who might not normally have easy access to sport.
However, attention soon moved away from her community work after her photograph was widely shared on social media.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among those who shared the picture while questioning the decision to recognise her for empowering young women.
Khadija said she was disappointed that some people appeared to focus only on her clothing instead of looking at the work she has done.
She said she understands that people may have different opinions about the niqab, but those opinions will not prevent her from serving her community.
Khadija has received recognition for her volunteering before. Her previous awards include the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for the North West.
She said she has experienced Islamophobia before but believes the level of negativity has increased. Despite this, she has invited people who do not know her personally to visit and see the community work she does for themselves.
There has also been criticism of KRIMMZ for organising some girls-only sporting activities.
GB News presenter Patrick Christys criticised the separation of men and women at some sporting events and questioned whether such practices should be normalised because of religious beliefs.
Khadija defended the organisation’s approach, saying its main purpose is to improve inclusion and access to sport.
She explained that women-only sessions are not attended only by Muslims. Some non-Muslim women also prefer activities such as women-only swimming sessions because they feel safer or more comfortable in that environment.
Khadija said the aim is to create spaces where people who might otherwise avoid certain activities feel confident enough to participate.
Lord Mott, a patron of the British Citizen Award, also defended Khadija and condemned the abuse directed towards her.
He said it was deeply disappointing that she had faced online attacks after being recognised for her contribution to the community.
He said Khadija’s work has created sporting opportunities for hundreds of young women while helping them develop confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging.
Lord Mott added that people should not face hatred or intimidation because of their religion or the way they choose to dress.
Despite the criticism she has received, Khadija says she intends to continue supporting young people and serving her community. She insists that wearing a niqab does not prevent her from making a positive difference in the lives of others.
