Celebrating Iftar and women's sport

YSF hosted an Iftar event at the Hamara centre in Leeds, celebrating Muslim women in sport. 
 
Muslim women continue to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create more inclusive spaces within sport and this event brought together partners from across our network to learn and share. 

The panel shared their insight and experiences of the challenges and benefits the community experiences. 
 
Before the breaking of the fast, guests heard from a panel including (Pictured right to left) 

• Rashida Salloo – Founder of Ready Steady Active, Board Member at Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust and Yorkshire Sport Foundation Board Member, 
• Ammarah Pandor – Access and Participation Lead, Leeds Trinity University 
• Humera Khan – CEO, Happy Healthy You, Chair of the Community Partnership 5 and an advocate for the voluntary sector  
• Maysoon Shafiq – Chaplaincy Team Lead, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust; Head of Islamic Advice, National NHS Muslim Network 

The panel was chaired by YSF's Emma Lea and supported by Tahir Akram. 

The Adhaan (call to pray) was performed for the Maghrib prayer which also indicated the breaking of the fast. 

After prayers, a traditional meal was served and allowed everyone to learn more about each other, and the value of shared experiences. 

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, community, and reflection. Fasting takes place between sunrise and sunset, and the breaking of the fast is known as Iftar.  

Rashida Salloo from Ready Steady Active said: “Ramadan gives you a natural reset in your calendar to step back a bit and reflect on the work that you do. It helps with gratitude, understanding other people and discipline.  

Rashida, who won Women's Sports Personality of the year at the Muslim Sports Awards in 2025 continued: “When I started Ready Steady Active, the latent demand was there in women from the South Asian backgrounds, but I don't think the awareness was there to how sport or physical activity was beneficial. Fast forward 10 years and there's been a huge positive shift in participation and awareness of the benefits, with more mentors and support networks.  

“Participation is not just at grassroots; we have women in the competitive levels as well. Quite a lot of women have also gone on to the RoundersEngland pathway in terms of workforce, and we are trying to replicate that model with football.

“There is a definite shift during Ramadan, Women might go to the gym in early morning or in the evening after they have broken their fast. I do see more women running on the streets and in the last few years, we have had football sessions starting at midnight. 

Ammarah Pandor from Leeds Trinity University said: “A teacher once told me Ramadan is like recharging a battery, it’s a good time to reflect on what you have, and to be grateful. 

“Faith is very important at the university. There are lot of things that can be done, we are on a journey.” 

Humera Khan of Happy Healthy You said: “Ramadan helps you appreciate everything, even breath. I am a yoga teacher and so many people can't breathe right now in this moment; it's good to appreciate the small things.”  

Humera, who was a finalist in the Muslim Sports Awards continued: ”I wasn't particularly sporty at all, but a trip to the doctors made me realise I had to change things for myself.  

“My sister bought me a fitness instructor course, on the first day everyone looked like an athlete. But because I like dancing, I understood rhythm and started to really  enjoy it and felt I could really do this. The teacher was so non-judgemental ,and reallymade me feel like I belonged.   

“One of my dreams was to work in the mosques, and I decided I would knock on doors and offer my services.  It took a year to build trust and relationships, and you have to be really patient. But when you have that, so much can be done.  

“Two years on and we have full, packed rooms and it’s spread through word of mouth.  We have worked with 14 mosques and offer both women, men's and young people's activities

“It's about respecting the place you're in and adapting your service, listening to people. If you find something people want, they don't even realise they're moving and being sporty, just having a good laugh and having fun.   

Maysoon Shafiq of the Chaplaincy Team at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said:  “Ramadan is important for me because I feel passionate about my work, 365 days a year. Someone said if you love your job, you don't see it as a job. Ramadan is a reset and helps me recharge and come back stronger.” 

The event was hosted by YSF’s Emma Lea who said: "It truly was a special evening, and we were delighted to see so many partners, colleagues and friends come together to share the experience. 

"A sincere thanks to our speakers for sharing their insights and experiences. We couldn’t have asked for a better panel aligned to our theme of Celebrating Muslim Women in Sport. The perspectives offered an incredible insight into the amazing work taking place across Yorkshire, as well as valuable knowledge on how we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create more inclusive spaces in our own organisations and communities. 

"We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Hamara Centre. This event is very much a partnership, and we truly appreciate the time, care and attention to detail that went into making everyone feel so welcome."