UK based ClimbMuz Founder Siddrah Aslam challenges stereotypes of women in sports by creating a climbing group that caters for Muslim women.
Acccording to ClimbMuz Founder Siddrah Aslam, her new organisation creates a safe space for women to embrace physical challenges, redefine stereotypes, and find joy in unexpected places.
Fifteen years ago, Aslam own climbing journey began when a friend invited her to try the sport. Though initially terrified by heights and prone to clumsiness, she quickly discovered the therapeutic benefits of climbing.
“Climbing makes my legs shake but it also grounds me. I feel present on the wall, and that supports my wellbeing,” says Aslam.
Aslam launched ClimbMuz to bridge her climbing world and her Muslim heritage. Initially aimed at South Asians and minorities, she soon pivoted to focus on Muslim women, inspired by other Muslim-centric outdoor activity groups like Muslim Hikers.
In her first climbing experience, she met people from completely different backgrounds, which helped her grow and broaden her perspective over time. However, as time passed, she noticed a lack of representation in the climbing community.
This realisation sparked her desire to connect with people who shared her background, fostering meaningful conversations and creating a more inclusive and diverse environment. This need for representation and connection became the driving force behind her decision to set up ClimbMuz.
What began with just four participants in its initial session has since flourished into a thriving community. Supported by Adidas’ community fund, which covers venue fees and facilitates modesty-friendly sessions, ClimbMuz has successfully hosted over 30 sessions in just a year, providing a safe and welcoming space for Muslim women to engage in climbing.
“These spaces are vital for Muslim women, many of whom face barriers to accessing sports. ClimbMuz creates a sense of safety, here, women understand each other’s needs and values. You’re free from explaining why you dress a certain way or why you’re there. The conversations I had at the climbing wall were so different from those within my community,” says Aslam.
Clothing has long been a hurdle for Muslim women in sports. Until recently, many sports banned headscarves, citing health and safety concerns.
This exclusionary policy, combined with a lack of modest sportswear, discouraged participation and perpetuated the cycle of underrepresentation.
The introduction of sport-specific hijabs in 2018 marked a significant shift, allowing women to access sports without compromising their values.
According to Aslam ClimbMuz is open to all. The word ‘Muslim’ might deter some women, but ClimbMuz welcomes anyone of Muslim heritage, regardless of their level of practice. By fostering inclusivity, ClimbMuz challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diversity of Muslim women’s experiences.
According to Sports England, Muslim women are among the least active groups in the UK, with many completing less than 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Climbing offers an attractive way to change this narrative.
“Some members have mental health issues or chronic conditions, and climbing has become a source of strength and support for them,”, Aslam.
Looking ahead, Aslam envisions ClimbMuz expanding across the UK. She wants more women to realize their potential and redefine their limits.
For Aslam, ClimbMuz is more than a climbing group—it’s a movement for change.
