Khadija Patel, 39, who was abused online after accepting an award wearing a niqab, has said she will not stop serving her community. She was pictured in the religious garment after winning the British Citizen Award for inspiring children to get into sport in Bolton.
The image went viral and prompted a wave of Islamophobic hate, with commentators attacking her face covering and claiming she could not empower women. Khadija told Metro her face covering 'does not stop me from serving my community'. She added: 'My work should be judged by my actions and not by what I am wearing.'
Community hero honoured
Khadija, born and raised in Bolton, was honoured for her volunteering at KRIMMZ Youth Club, which she founded. The group organises sports and emotional wellbeing activities for children in Bolton, working with local stakeholders such as the Lancashire Football Association. KRIMMZ focuses on girls from ethnically diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, with most sessions girls-only, though they also run sessions for boys and children with additional needs.
On Thursday, Khadija was at the Palace of Westminster in central London to receive a British Citizen Award, which celebrates 'individuals who made extraordinary contributions to their communities'. She said: 'I was overwhelmed and humbled to receive the award. We are making a really big impact in empowering these young people to have access to sports.'
Online abuse after photo goes viral
The event featured 27 other winners, and Khadija was snapped standing next to TV presenter Matt Allwright to accept her prize. Posting that picture on social media, the Lancashire FA said: 'We’re delighted to announce that one of our incredible volunteers at KRIMMZ Youth Club in Bolton, Khadija Patel, was this week awarded with the British Citizen Award! She received the award at the Palace of Westminster in recognition of her work empowering young women.'
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson posted the picture and wrote: 'The British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster went to this one in recognition of her work empowering young women. Couldn’t make it up.' Most of the online hate was directed towards Khadija’s face covering, implying it is not compatible with empowering young women.
Khadija responds
Khadija said it was 'upsetting' that people are only 'seeing my clothes and not seeing my work'. She added: 'Wearing the niqab is a personal choice for me and makes me feel comfortable and confident. It does not define the whole of who I am. I am still the same person who loves my community. I love promoting sport – the niqab does not limit me.'
The community hero has won numerous awards for her work with KRIMMZ before, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for the North West. While she has always faced Islamophobia, she said the hate has gotten worse. She added: 'There has been a lot of negativity. I understand that people have a different view when it comes to my attire. It doesn’t stop me from serving my community.' Khadija even invited people 'who do not know me' to 'come and visit' her to see the work she is doing first hand.
GB News presenter criticises girls-only events
KRIMMZ was also criticised for running girls-only events. Separating girls from boys once they reached puberty is a practice followed by many Muslims. GB News presenter Patrick Christys said: 'We now appear to be dishing out awards, almost celebrating the fact that it has become totally normalised in certain parts of British society to separate men and women at sporting events… because of the Islamic faith.' However Khadija defended the work KRIMMZ does, saying they are focused on 'inclusion and access'. She added: 'We have non-Muslims who want to come to a swimming sessions which is woman-only. We want to create an environment where they feel comfortable and feel safe.'
Peer supports Khadija
Lord Mott, who is a patron of the British Citizen Award, said Khadija should be celebrated for her work, not subjected to abuse. The Peer told Metro: 'It is deeply disappointing that Khadija Patel has faced online abuse after being recognised for the outstanding contribution she has made to her community. The British Citizen Awards exist to celebrate people who go above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of others, and Khadija’s work creating opportunities for hundreds of young women through sport, while building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, is a worthy example of that commitment. There is no place for hatred or intimidation directed at someone because of their faith or the way they choose to dress. I hope Khadija takes great pride in this well-deserved recognition and continues her valuable work inspiring and supporting young people for many years to come.'
