Mosque in London bans females over 12 from charity run

Women and girls over the age of 12 have been banned from taking part in a park run organised by a London Mosque. Muslim Charity Run is East London Mosque Trust's "signature community event" - a 5k around Victoria Park. However, it has sparked backlash for its exclusionary rules despite being advertised as "inclusive" and "family-friendly".

Its website states: "Open to everyone: runners, walkers, and children (girls under 12 and boys of any age), plus family and friends as spectators or volunteers. Whether you're taking part in the 5km run or cheering from the sidelines, you're welcome!" Each runner chooses which local or international charity they want to fundraise for, but it must be approved by Muslim Charity Run. In 2024, 1,500 runners raised over £150,000 for East London Mosque.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it would assess the exclusion over women and girls over 12, the Mail on Sunday reports.

Baroness Shaista Gohir, the CEO Muslim Women's Network UK, said the East London Mosque was "likely" in breach of the Equality Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their sex.

Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of feminist group Party Of Women, echoed this concern. She said the rules of the park run raise "serious questions about how much of their charitable activity may also breach the Equality Act".

She added: "Banning women and girls over the age of 12 from a public charity event is plainly unlawful... and reinforces regressive sexist attitudes towards women's place in public life.

"No charity should be allowed to operate under a different set of rules because of religion or culture. Equality before the law must apply to everyone.

"It is clear that this organisation does not understand, or chooses to ignore, its legal responsibilities to women and girls."

An East London Mosque spokesman said: "The suggestion that our event breaches the Equality Act is entirely incorrect.

"Single-gender sporting events are lawful under Section 195 and Schedule 23 of the Act, and are common across the UK, including the Women's Run Series, Nike Women's 10K, and gender-segregated swimming sessions at Orthodox Jewish facilities like Manchester Jewish Community Centre.

"The Muslim Charity Run operates under the same legal framework as these established events."