Muslim Women and Physical Education in Initial Teacher Training

Abstract:

Although under-researched, there is some evidence to suggest that Muslim females can experience difficulties with traditional approaches to physical education. Based infigurational theory, this field study investigation enabled the author/researcher to examine the relational dynamics influencing institutional and physical education course developments as female Muslim students underwent a 4-year primary Initial Teacher Training Degree course at 'Greenacres' College, England. Interview, observation and diary data were collected, analysed and collated. Findings indicated a gradual unforeseen and unplanned process of negotiated accommodation as the management and staff responded to the expressed needs of the Muslim women whilst ensuring State requirements for teacher training were met. One outcome was a reciprocal shift, in attitude towards physical education amongst the Muslim students

Citation:

TY - JOUR
JO - Sport, Education and Society
PB - Routledge
AU - Benn, Tansin
TI - Muslim Women and Physical Education in Initial Teacher Training
SN - 1357-3322
PY - 1996
VL - 1
IS - 1
SP - 5
EP - 21

Available: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content?file.txt

Welcome to Big Sister

Big Sister (www.bigsister.org.uk) has been launched by a British Muslim woman, Shaista Gohir MBE, to challenge stereotypes and raise the aspirations of Muslim girls and women around the world. The website challenges the treatment of women through satirical cartoons and highlights stories of Muslim women in diverse fields including business, politics, sports, human rights, arts & culture, from past to present.

E: contact@bigsister.org.uk

T: +44 121 236 9000

M: +44 7802 225989

You can check out the following link for their section about Muslim sportswomen.

http://www.bigsister.org.uk/sportybigsister.php

A Culture of Trust: Engaging Muslim Women in Community Sport Organizations

Authors: Hazel Maxwell^a; Tracy Taylor^a

^{Published in: European Sport Management Quarterly, Volume 10, Issue 4 September 2010 , pages 465 - 483}

Abstract This article examines the impetus for, and process of, engaging Muslim women in community sport. The research focuses on how and why a community sport organization, located in a large Australian city, embraced cultural change and developed a more inclusive community sport environment through social capital facilitation. The operation of the three types of social capital (bonding, bridging and linking) is considered alongside social capital attributes (networks, trust, reciprocity, volunteering and community building). The theoretical framework employed is derived from Lin's framework of social capital. The research findings are analysed through an examination of the stages of investment, development, mobilization and reproduction of social capital. This research illustrates the potential for the development of trust, cooperation and community networks, leading to cultural awareness, and changes to the cultural profile and practices of community sport organizations. Source: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a926590745~tab=content~order=page

Sahra Hassan - Golfer

What is your family background?

I was born in Newport Gwent, raised in Newport until I was 14 then moved to Bridgend where i currently live. I have 2 sisters Ayesha Hassan and Myriam Hassan.

What were your dreams and aspirations as you were growing up?

To be the best lady golfer in the world, not just Europe or Great Britain, but the world.

What is your educational background?

Attended Glasllwch Primary School from age 4 to 11, then attended Bassaleg Comprehensive School for 2 years, then moved to Bridgend and finished off my studies at Bryntirion Comprehensive School. I have 9 GCSE's and 1 AS Level in English.

What is your current job?
Professional golfer, play on the Ladies European Tour and Ladies Asian Tour. I have always loved sport as my dad played cricket and squash, i got into sport at a really early age. I started playing tennis at 4 years old and won a number of Welsh titles by the age of 13, Ithen started taking an interest in golf as my dad played. I was playing county golf by the age of 14 then international golf at 15. I have represented Wales and Great Britain.

What barriers have you faced, either on a personal or professional level?

My Parents wanted me to get a proper profession like a doctor, accountant or barrister, but I have always loved sport and admired people like Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and the Williams sisters. My Dads family especially wanted me to get a proper profession like most Asian families, they didn't agree with having golf as a profession.

What achievements are you most proud of?

Came 2nd in European Nations cup, won the Welsh Championship, Represented Wales and Great Britain a number of times and represented Wales in the World Cup 2006 and 2008.

What is your success due to?

Hard work and support from my family.

What role has Islam, if any, played in your life?

To be kind to others and be a nice human being.

Who was your role model and what impact or influence have they had on your life?

My Father, and he still is.

Do you have any hobbies or interests?

Still love playing tennis for fun and fitness, all sports, love going to the gym shopping, RnB/ hip hop music, movies bollywood and hollywood, spending time with friends and family.

What further aspiration do you have?

Not to just be the best in this country but to be the best in the world and i'd love to see more asian and ethnic children to take interest in sport particularly golf.

What words of wisdom or advice would you give to Muslim women in Britain today?
Just follow your dreams and try to be a good human being and let Allah be the judge not other people.
Source: http://www.bigsister.org.uk/roleModelDetail.php?rolemodel=52

Muslim women’s cricket at the Lord’s

By Neelam Farzana

Cricket in England is a sport of the elite, in South Asia, it is the sport of the people. Followed with a ferocious passion by so many, mums, dads, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunties all gather round staring intently at the TV…but for many women in the Muslim community that’s where it ends.

Many of us have been fans of the great game for a long time but have never been given a real chance to actually play it here in the UK whether that be due to cultural influences or a lack of facilities. So imagine my jubilation when I heard of the opportunity to once again pick up my playing career at none other than the Lord’s, the home of cricket!

Over two Saturdays on May 15 and 22, the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation (MWSF) in conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) provided the opportunity for women and children of all ages to experience the facilities and atmosphere of the Lord’s Indoor Cricket School.

On entering the grounds the awe and excitement on the faces of those participating shone as brightly as the gloriously white, spaceship like media centre reflecting the sun’s rays. Greeted by England ladies international Isa Guha, and ex-international Laura Newton, the sessions catered perfectly to the needs of the Muslim community enabling women from all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy a fun family day out.

First time participant, Nabeela Akram attended with her two children aged 5 and 7. Commenting on the day she said, “It was a wonderful experience. I am a passionate follower of cricket but with two young children I never get the opportunity to actually play. Playing at Lord’s is an experience I will never forget and my kids absolutely loved it. I hope I get the chance again.”

MWSF Chairperson, Rimla Akhtar, said, “We are grateful to the MCC and ECB for enabling us to bring this event to our community at such a prestigious venue. This is one way of empowering ourselves, our women, and a strong way of providing opportunities to those who are often forgotten in the ethnic minority communities.”

Following on from the success of this event and due to popular demand, the MWSF will be working with the ECB to provide further opportunities for ethnic minority women to access cricket throughout the UK.

Anybody interested in getting involved should contact the MWSF on 020 8427 0873 or email info@mwsf.org.uk

Source: http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/paper/index.php?article=4705

New Book On Shelves: "Muslim Women and Sport"

Edited by Tansin Benn, Gertrud Pfister, Haifaa Jawad.

• Binding/Format: Hardback
• ISBN: 978-0-415-49076-4
• Publish Date: July 9th 2010
• Imprint: Routledge
• Pages: 304 pages

Description:

Examining the global experiences, challenges and achievements of Muslim women participating in physical activities and sport, this important new study makes a profound contribution to our understanding of both contemporary Islam and the complexity and diversity of women’s lives in the modern world.

The book presents an overview of current research into constructs of gender, the role of religion and the importance of situation, and looks closely at what Islam has to say about women’s participation in sport and what Muslim women have to say about their participation in sport. It highlights the challenges and opportunities for women in sport in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries, utilising a series of extensive case-studies in various countries which invite the readers to conduct cross-cultural comparisons. Material on Iraq, Palestine and Bosnia and Herzegovina provides rare insights into the impact of war on sporting activities for women. The book also seeks to make important recommendations for improving access to sport for girls and women from Muslim communities.

Muslim Women and Sport confronts many deeply held stereotypes and crosses those commonly quoted boundaries between ‘Islam and the West’ and between ‘East and West’. It makes fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in the interrelationships between sport, religion, gender, culture and policy.

Contents:

Introduction - Muslim Women and Sport Part 1: Underlying Contexts 1. The Values of Physical Activity, Sport and Physical Education in the Lives of Young Women 2. Islam, Women and Sport 3. Muslim Women and Sport in Diasporas: Theories, Discourses and Practices - Analyzing the Case of Denmark Part 2: National Perspectives 4. Women in Sports Leadership in Bahrain 5. "Balancing between the cultures …" – Sports and Physical Activities of Muslim Girls and Women in Germany 6. Physical Activities and Sport for Women in Iran 7. The Sultanate of Oman and the Position of Girls and Women in Physical 8. Women and Sport in Syria 9. Struggling for Empowerment - Sport Participation of Women and Girls in Turkey Part Three: Case Studies 10. Palestinian Women’s National Football Team Aims High – Case Study to Explore the Interaction of Religion, Culture, Politics and Sports 11. Challenges Facing South African Muslim Secondary School Girls’ Participation in Physical Activities, Physical Education and Sport. 12. Religion and the State – The Story of a Turkish Elite Athlete 13. A Case Study on United Arab Emirates: Women, Disability and Sport Part Four: Narratives 14. Experiences of War in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Effects on Physical Activities of Girls and Women 15. Women in Sport in North Africa: Voices of Moroccan Athletes 16. Womens’ Narratives of Sport and War in Iraq Conclusion