Teenage County Councillor Maheen Kamran's Female Gym Comment Fuel Racist Hatred
New Age Islam News Bureau
06 June 2025
· Teenage County CouncillorMaheen Kamran's Female Gym Comment Fuel Racist Hatred
· Iranian Woman, ElahehHosseinnejad, A Supporter Of Woman, Life, Freedom, Found Murdered
· Deaf-Mute Girl from Doda Handwrites Entire Quran, Inspires with Unshakable Devotion
· Hunia Chawla’s Play, 'Permission' Takes Aim AtLinks Between Patriarchy, Protest And Global Political Order
· Nigeria: Muslim Women Restate Commitment To Community Development
· Reform MP Who Backed Burqa Ban In Hot Water Over Mug Showing Starmer In Hijab - As Row Rumbles On
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/teenage-county-councillor-female-gym/d/135799
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Teenage County Councillor Maheen Kamran's Female Gym Comment Fuel Racist Hatred
5TH JUNE
By Shuiab Khan
Cllr Kamran has responded about how easily her comments on single-sex spaces were misconstrued (Image: Maheen Kamran Fb)
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A newly elected teenage county councillor has said any suggestions she wanted to ‘ban free mixing between men and women in public’ were ridiculous.
At the age of 18, Maheen Kamran was elected as an independent county councillor for the Central East ward in Burnley last month.
In the run-up to the election, Cllr Kamran was asked how she could help improve the town if she became a councillor.
She has revealed she spoke about one specific community centre, the Chai Centre, and the ‘valuable services they offered, such as female-only gyms and spaces’.
Female-only sections in gyms are available in many gyms across the country, while safe spaces for women have been a hot topic in recent months nationally.
However, the teenager said her comment was taken out of context and resulted in her receiving a lot of abuse and vitriolic messages, much of it racist.
Speaking this week, Cllr Kamran said: “I was not expecting this at all. I didn’t think my words would be misinterpreted in this way.
“I got into local politics to help people, and I was speaking about how our local community centre could do with having the gym back.
“To suggest I am calling for a ‘ban on free mixing in public’ is ridiculous and silly.”
So, how did a comment on female gyms lead the new councillor to be vilified?
Here’s what PoliticsHome said: "Kamran told PoliticsHome she wanted to improve school standards, public cleanliness, and encourage public spaces to end 'free mixing' between men and women."
“There’s a big aspect of free mixing,” Miss Kamran told the news site ahead of the election.
“Muslim women aren’t really comfortable with being involved with Muslim men.
"I’m sure we can have segregated areas, segregated gyms, where Muslim women don’t have to sacrifice their health.”
Cllr Kamran said she denied ever suggesting that she supported or encourage banning ‘free mixing in public".
She said: “This statement was completely taken out of context and inaccurately reflects what was actually said.
"At no point was I referring to public spaces in general.
"The discussion in question was solely about one specific area within the Chai Centre, where there was a discussion to reinstate a female-only gym facility.
"That was the full extent of the context, and any implication beyond that is entirely incorrect.”
These comments were then repeated on several major news outlets including The Daily Express, The Daily Telegraph and even Fox News, with headlines which appeared to contradict Cllr Kamran’s thoughts.
The comments were then posted on Facebook and across social media, leading to vile and offensive posts, attracting abusive and racist comments.
Following the publication of these headlines, Cllr Kamran was forced to clarify her comments publicly.
She said: “During an interview, I was asked about local issues brought to my attention whilst out canvassing.
“Many local women told me they’d like the female-only gym to be brought back so they can prioritise their health in a comfortable environment.
“At one point, the reporter asked something along the lines of ‘public spaces too?’ - to which I clearly said ‘no’.
"I made it very clear that it is not possible, realistic or right to suggest ending free mixing in all public spaces.”
Cllr Kamran said she was born and raised in Burnley, attended a local co-educational primary school, and later attended a Roman Catholic high school and college.
She added: “I’ve grown up with diversity and inclusion and fully support freedom of choice and shared values.
“We must not let it overshadow the day-to-day challenges people in Burnley face, like healthcare, education, public transport, housing, and the environment.
“I stand for my constituents in Burnley, to make sure every issue is heard and addressed.
"I remain committed to honest, inclusive, and balanced representation for all the people of our town.”
Cllr Kamran said she got into politics to help people, and in her first month in office she has been keen to remain positive.
Her election coincided with Reform UK sweeping to power in Lancashire, as the party dismantled a healthy Conservative majority to claim control of the county authority.
“I don’t think my experiences should put people off," she added.
“Despite the hateful comments on social media, the reality has been different.
“People have been very receptive and even those from opposition parties, including Reform, have been helpful and supportive.
“It goes to show that people genuinely want to be encouraging.”
Source: asianimage.co.uk
https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/25216275.burnley-county-cllrs-female-gym-comment-fuel-racist-hatred/
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Iranian Woman, ElahehHosseinnejad, A Supporter Of Woman, Life, Freedom, Found Murdered
JUNE 5, 2025
Elaheh Hosseinnejad, a resident of Islamshahr, vanished on May 25 while returning home from her job at a beauty salon in Tehran
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Police confirmed on Thursday that a 24-year-old woman who disappeared under suspicious circumstances has been murdered and a suspect has been arrested.
ElahehHosseinnejad, a resident of Islamshahr, vanished on May 25 while returning home from her job at a beauty salon in Tehran.
Tehran Detective Police Chief Ali Valipour announced that investigations confirmed she had been murdered and that the primary suspect is now in custody.
According to the judiciary, Hosseinnejad had boarded a silver-coloured car while commuting home.
The driver, who had "evil intentions," stabbed her twice in the chest after she resisted and then left her body outskirts of Tehran.
She was last seen near Azadi Square around 7 p.m. after leaving work. An hour later, her phone was turned off, cutting off all contact with her family.
During the search, her uncle told the media that she returned home every day to care for her disabled brother. He added that security cameras failed to capture crucial footage because they were turned away at the key moment.
Hosseinnejad was active on social media and had previously posted in support of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement on Instagram. She had also shared tributes to executed protesters, including Mohammad Hosseini.
The case has sparked public outrage and drawn comparisons to similar unresolved cases, such as the disappearance of Sama Jahanbaz, a girl who vanished in Shiraz three years ago and whose fate remains unknown.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/141790-iranian-woman-found-murdered-after-suspicious-disappearance/
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Deaf-Mute Girl from Doda Handwrites Entire Quran, Inspires with Unshakable Devotion
June 6, 2025
In the quiet folds of the Bhalesa mountains in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, where life moves at the unhurried pace of nature, an extraordinary story has unfolded — one that has left a community humbled and inspired.
Sixteen-year-old Mavish Arif, a Class 10 student from the remote village of BataraGawalo, has accomplished a feat of immense spiritual and personal depth: she has hand-written the entire Quran Sharif — a task she completed on her own over nine months, without guidance, coaching, or fanfare.
What makes this accomplishment even more moving is Mavish’s condition — she was born deaf and mute. Yet, in a world often preoccupied with noise and distractions, her quiet determination has become a source of immense pride and awe for all who hear of her story.
With no institutional support, Mavish withdrew into the simple confines of her home, setting aside all else to focus on her sacred mission. Her family, overwhelmed with emotion, shared that she chose not to rely on anyone — not out of defiance, but from a deep sense of purpose and devotion. They recall her sitting for hours on end, immersed in transcription — page after page, line by line, her silent world filled with the rhythms of divine verses.
Educators and religious scholars in the region have called her work unprecedented. According to both her family and school authorities, no other student in the Doda district is known to have hand-written the entire Quran in this way. Her school — the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Gandoh — has quietly supported her behind the scenes.
The school principal, Mr. Ajeet Singh, expressed deep admiration: “Mavish may not speak, but her actions have conveyed a powerful message. She has become a beacon of inspiration not only for her peers but for the entire district. With such determination, she can pursue excellence in any field she chooses — whether engineering or any other dream she nurtures.”
Her village — often cut off from the outside world by terrain and distance — is now united in celebration. Elders, teachers, and neighbours have all spoken of the pride they feel. “In today’s age of endless distractions and fleeting goals, this young girl’s focus on something so profound is a lesson for all of us,” remarked one elder from Bhalesa.
In an environment where educational infrastructure is modest and opportunities are scarce, Mavish’s story has struck a deep chord. Her achievement is not just personal — it is collective. It reminds us of the power of will, of spiritual discipline, and of silent strength.
As the news continues to spread beyond the hills of Doda, Mavish Arif is being hailed as a symbol of resilience and devotion. Without ever uttering a word, she has told the world a story worth remembering — one written not just in ink, but in faith, perseverance, and quiet glory.
Source: muslimmirror.com
https://muslimmirror.com/deaf-mute-girl-from-doda-handwrites-entire-quran-inspires-with-unshakable-devotion/
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Hunia Chawla’s Play, 'Permission' Takes Aim AtLinks Between Patriarchy, Protest And Global Political Order
Pramod Thomas
Jun 06, 2025
A NEW play explores the issues faced by this current generation of immigrants and questions the definitions of freedom and liberation, its playwright has said.
Permission, written and co-produced by Hunia Chawla, casts a questioning eye on the trope of ‘the oppressed Muslim woman’ and examines the links between patriarchy, protest, and the global political order.
In an interview with Eastern Eye, Chawla said, “There are not many voices of contemporary immigrants in today’s world. The immigrant stories we hear are from the 1950s and 1970s.
“There is not much discussion taking place, and I believe it is an important discussion to have, given everything that is happening in the world. What is the role of protest? Who gets to decide what freedom is? This tension between the West and the East that we often observe offers a new way of looking at these issues.”
Through the stories of Hanna (played by Anisa Butt) and Minza (Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar), the 70-minute play, which moves between a Heathrow immigration queue and a rooftop in Karachi, explores themes such as friendship, sisterhood, identity politics, and state violence.
“I believe this trope (the oppressed Muslim woman) holds significant importance because it is frequently employed to justify numerous oppressive measures against people from the global south, Muslims, and specific nations,” Chawla, who is in her late 20s pointed out.
“Consider, for instance, the situation in Afghanistan. There exists considerable outcry regarding the Taliban, and quite rightly so, as they are indeed oppressive towards women. However, the response to this oppression is the assertion that “we must save Afghans from the Taliban,” which then leads to sending weapons and dropping bombs on that very country under the guise of liberation. One ends up killing the same people one purports to liberate, and the irony of this situation is not lost on observers
“Similarly, regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, much of the propaganda centres on the claim that all Palestinians are oppressive towards women and gender minorities, and this assertion is then used to justify genocide. Identity politics has become so divorced from actual political violence that it proves harmful at times – indeed, it is sometimes weaponised in deeply damaging ways.”
According to the writer, who is from Karachi and lives in Yorkshire, the solution to the issue lies “simply in maintaining awareness”.
“It is crucial to recognise that Muslim women are not the only ones facing oppression, patriarchy exists everywhere. It is present here in the UK and across the globe, merely manifesting in different forms. The critical factor is determining who tells the story and who it serves.
“Currently, I observe a narrative structure featuring a saviour and the oppressed, with engagement conducted in a manner that serves the so-called saviour, who are, paradoxically, also the oppressors. This approach proves unhelpful and reinforces a colonial mentality of “we are modern and shall liberate you,” while considerable harm is being inflicted that remains largely unacknowledged,” she added.
In the play, Hanna tries to balance her political beliefs and personal choices by presenting herself as a ‘proper’ Pakistani woman. Her best friend, Minza, doesn’t care about appearing respectable to others. Their close friendship, played out in the busy city of Karachi, faces a major challenge when Hanna relocates to London seeking personal freedom and independence, meanwhile Minza stays behind in Karachi to campaign for political change through protests.
Chawla explained that while the play follows a chronological structure, showing Hanna’s journey from Karachi to London, it incorporates numerous flashbacks to her childhood and teenage years, creating a non-linear narrative.
She expressed her fascination with magical realism, noting that incorporating less naturalistic elements allows for greater character dimension and environmental shifts.
The play explores two distinct approaches to seeking freedom through its protagonists. Originally created as a 20-minute one-woman show and performed to a packed audience at The Space in London, Chawla developed the play into its current form over two years. She collaborated with director Neetu Singh to provide a “new vision” for the play.
She explained that Permission initially told the story of an immigrant girl from Pakistan dealing with the contemporary immigration process.
“The story expanded to explore the broader politics of immigration and questions of liberation and freedom, particularly for south Asian women navigating the immigration process and the complexities of dual identity between Karachi and London,” she said.
“Permission came from the essential question of what liberation means and who gets to define it,” Chawla said.
She noted that Western media often presents reductive narratives, such as in Bend It Like Beckham, where a brown girl from a conservative family becomes “liberated” through western ideas, reinforcing a colonial mindset that positions the west as the standard for modernity and liberation.
The British Pakistani artist highlighted the hypocrisy within this narrative, explaining that while the main character Hanna may feel more secure as a woman in the UK, she encounters censorship when attempting to speak about state violence, Palestine, or western complicity in global conflicts.
“The liberation question becomes complicated – you’re not free to do everything. There’s a condition to that freedom,” she observed.
The Asian actor-writer developed an interest in poetry from a very young age. She studied at the University of Warwick and pursued a career in the financial sector upon completing her studies. She completed the Old Vic Theatre Makers programme and is currently part of the Soho Writers Lab.
Chawla added, “Viewers don’t need to be politically engaged to appreciate the production, as the play’s strength lies in intimate moments and the beautiful portrayal of friendship and sisterhood between its characters. Permission operates on multiple levels, combining serious political themes with genuine entertainment value. It is genuinely funny and engaging.”
She expressed confidence in the production’s broad appeal, noting that previous performances attracted diverse audiences who responded enthusiastically.
Source: easterneye.biz
https://www.easterneye.biz/hunia-chawla-permission-interview-2672306737/
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Nigeria: Muslim Women Restate Commitment To Community Development
By AbdullahiOlesin
Jun 06, 2025
The Kwara State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has reiterated its commitment to promoting education, social welfare and community development as it marks its 40th anniversary.
In a statement by its Amirah, HajiaNimatLabaika and public relations officer, Prof Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, the group appreciated the support of Muslim women across the country, particularly those in Kwara State, for their unwavering dedication and contributions over the years.
“Founded in 1985, FOMWAN emerged as a platform to unify Muslim women’s voices and promote Islamic values.
“With affiliations across numerous Asalatu groups in Kwara State such as Taoheed, Ansarul Islam, Ansarul-Deen, The Criterion, Unilorin Muslim Ladies’ Circle, and a host of others, the organisation has grown into one of the country’s most prominent religious and social advocacy groups,” the statement said.
To mark the nationwide week-long celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Kwara chapter joined other state branches to call for greater recognition of the role of women in national development and the protection of their rights in all spheres of life.
It added that in the past four decades, FOMWAN has made significant strides in education, healthcare, advocacy, and humanitarian service in the state.
“Under the auspices of its pioneer Amirah, AlhajaRaliatSanni and her successor, Hajia Muslimah Kamaldeen, the association launched adult literacy programmes and expanded its educational outreach as the year progressed.
“In 1994, it established a crèche at Baboko Market, which evolved into a Nursery/Primary School in 1998 and a special needs institution by 2009.
“The association now operates three nursery/primary schools, one secondary school, 20 Islamiyyah schools in Kwara North, and a functional adult literacy class.
“In collaboration with the Non-Governmental Associations for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), it supports additional learners across the state.
“To support inclusion, FOMWAN has awarded scholarships to vulnerable and special needs pupils, many of whom have progressed to secondary and tertiary institutions. One visually impaired beneficiary now runs a shoe-making business.
“The organisation has also engaged in community-level interventions such as training and mentoring School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in 207 communities, donating wheelchairs to special needs children, empowerment of indigent women and fostering Almajiri and vulnerable children.
“Notably, one of the fostered children graduated with a first class from the University of Ilorin in 2023 and is currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” it added.
Source: leadership.ng
https://leadership.ng/muslim-women-restate-commitment-to-community-development/
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Reform MP who backed burqa ban in hot water over mug showing Starmer in hijab - as row rumbles on
6 June 2025
On Wednesday, Sarah Pochin asked Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs whether he would join countries including France, Denmark and Belgium in banning the face and body covering worn by some Muslim women.
Then, on Thursday night, the party's former chairman Zia Yusuf announced he was standing down just 24 hours after describing her call to ban the burqa as "dumb".
Now, the newly-elected MP for Runcorn and Helsby has been spotted holding a mug saying 'Two-Tier Keir' with an edited image of Starmer wearing a Hijab.
Labour has described the MP and Reform UK's "obsession" with British Muslims as "dangerous".
'Extreme anti-Muslim prejudice'
Commenting on the photo, Georgie Laming from Hope Not Hate said: “This photo and Pochin’s comments this week show her extreme anti-Muslim prejudice.
"The image on the mug has been shared widely in far right circles by extreme figures who use the image to suggest Labour is complicit in the islamification of Britain."
She called on the MP to apologise. LBC has contacted Sarah Pochin for comment.
'Dangerous'
Chair of the Labour Muslim Network, Ali Milani: “Sarah Pochin and Reform UK’s continued obsession with Muslims in Britain is dangerous.
"From using her first question at PMQs to attack what some Muslim women choose to wear, to now being pictured with a vile Islamophobic mug on the campaign trail, we are seeing a clearer picture of what Reform really stands for.
"They are not here to address the real concerns of the British people, but to indulge a divisive fixation with Muslims and migrants.
"Last summer showed us the consequences of allowing this kind of politics to take root.”
In a post on X on Thursday evening, the former Reform chairman Zia Yusuf wrote: "11 months ago I became Chairman of Reform. I’ve worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30%, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results.
"I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office."
Farage has said he is "genuinely sorry" for the chairman's resignation.
He added: "As I said just last week, he was a huge factor in our success on May 1st and is an enormously talented person.
"Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game, and Zia has clearly had enough.
"He is a loss to us and public life."
A Labour spokesperson said: "If Nigel Farage can't manage a handful of politicians, how on earth could he run a country? He has fallen out with everyone he has ever worked with. Reform are just not serious.
"The Reform chair has done a runner so that he doesn't have to front up Farage's £80 billion in unfunded cuts, which would spark a Liz Truss-style economic meltdown.
"Nigel Farage's plans would put up every single mortgage in the country and hammer family finances, while forcing them to buy private healthcare. Working people simply can't afford the risk of Reform UK."
Wearing face-covering clothes is currently banned in seven European countries - France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Bulgaria - while other countries have enacted partial bans.
Yusuf's resignations came as Reform UK hoped to win or come a close second in a by-election for the Holyrood seat of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
In the end, the party came third with 7,088 votes, 869 votes behind the SNP and 1,471 behind the winning Labour candidate.
Source: lbc.co.uk
https://www.lbc.co.uk/politics/uk-politics/reform-nigel-farage-burqa-starmer/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/teenage-county-councillor-female-gym/d/135799