Naseem is the founder and project manager of Sähëlï Hub, which she started in 1998 specifically for women who wanted to engage in physical activities and take part in sports that were run by women. A major focus of Naseem’s vision is to normalise taking part in physical activity and sport for women who belong to marginalised communities and who are often discouraged from taking part.
Key to the success of this project was to ensure these programs were delivered in a culturally sensitive way, in the hope of changing the perception that Asian women do not like physical activity. She felt that this perception, as well as access to suitable programs in the community, was a major barrier to overcome.
Focusing on female engagement, Naseem pioneered the first Asian girls club, offering a wide range of activities – from rock climbing and canoeing, skiing, to cycling and quad biking. As the founder and CEO, Naseem works tirelessly to engage more than 3,000 disadvantaged women across Birmingham every year, increasing their physical health and wellbeing.
In 2019, Naseem was awarded a British Empire Medal for her work in encouraging thousands of women to lead healthier lifestyles. In 2022, she was recognised as a Hometown Hero for her role in tackling inequalities and creating opportunities in physical activity and sport for many of Birmingham’s ethnically diverse communities.
“Many women, who used to hide their gym kit or their trainers in a carrier bag when they came to the gym, now come proudly dressed and ready to go on a Sähëlï Hub adventure,” she said.
When asked about her approach to activism, Naseem says:
“I learned the really valuable lesson that you have to bring people with you, and you have to listen to everybody in the room, understand them, and work together to plan the best group action — instead of just being an activist who thinks they can do it on their own.”
