Khadija Patel, a 39-year-old Muslim woman from Bolton, has vowed to continue her community work after being subjected to online abuse for wearing a niqab while accepting a British Citizen Award. The image of her in the religious garment went viral, sparking a wave of Islamophobic comments.
Abuse and Determination
Patel, who founded the KRIMMZ Youth Club, was honoured for inspiring children into sport. She told Metro: 'My work should be judged by my actions and not by what I am wearing. We are a diverse community. We may not make the same choices in terms of clothing, but we should listen to people and celebrate what their work.' She added that the niqab 'does not stop me from serving my community.'
Background of the Award
The British Citizen Award celebrates individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. Patel received the award at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday, alongside 27 other winners. She was pictured with TV presenter Matt Allwright. The Lancashire FA shared the photo on social media, congratulating Patel for her work empowering young women.
Online Hate
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson posted the picture, writing: '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.' Many comments attacked Patel's face covering, claiming it contradicts empowering women. Patel said it was 'upsetting' that people focus on her clothes rather than her work. '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,' she said.
KRIMMZ Youth Club
KRIMMZ organises sports and emotional wellbeing activities for children in Bolton, focusing on girls from ethnically diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Most sessions are girls-only, but they also run sessions for boys and children with additional needs. Patel has previously won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for the North West.
Criticism and Defence
GB News presenter Patrick Christys criticised the girls-only events, saying: '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.' Patel defended the approach, stating: 'We have non-Muslims who want to come to a swimming session which is woman-only. We want to create an environment where they feel comfortable and feel safe.'
Support from Lord Mott
Lord Mott, a patron of the British Citizen Award, said: 'It is deeply disappointing that Khadija Patel has faced online abuse after being recognised for the outstanding contribution she has made to her community. There is no place for hatred or intimidation directed at someone because of their faith or the way they choose to dress.' He added: '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.'
