Alhamdulillah, we were truly touched by the heartfelt nominations we received for our She Deserves This campaign.
Each sister nominated was recognised for her strength, her sacrifice, and the quiet ways she uplifts others while often putting herself last. Jazakum Allahu khairan to everyone who took the time to honour a woman in their life.
After reading through the beautiful submissions, we have shortlisted five incredible women, and now we’re inviting you to help us choose who will receive a fully-funded place at our Back to Play Retreat this summer, in shaa Allah.
This isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a way for our community to pause, acknowledge someone’s silent struggles and selflessness, and offer her something just for her.
You may vote once only, so please read the nominations carefully before you decide.
Nominees
1. Bibi Parker
Bibi Parker is a kind, warm hearted soul, always helping anyone in need. In her community, she is known for selflessly visiting the sick, taking them to medical appointments, delivering food, collecting prescriptions, and checking in to ensure they’re okay, always with a smile and a warm hug.
Even past retirement age, she wakes early to drive people to appointments and helps with shopping, cleaning, cooking, or simply offering her presence. She frequently sacrifices her own time, energy, and money to support two or three people daily, never turning anyone away.
She’s a tower of strength and support for a sister whose health has declined, and she continues to show up, caring, cheerful, and committed. She’s always there for others, never seeing anything as too much trouble.
Bibi has also contributed to charity work for many years, setting up gardening and cooking projects to help people learn new skills and socialise.
Her dedication to others has been a quiet lifeline in the community.
A place at the Back-to-Play retreat would offer her a rare moment to rest, receive, and be cared for, something she so often gives, but rarely asks for herself.
2. Rukhsana Hussain
Rukhsana is the kind of woman who quietly holds up entire communities. She has supported women’s wellbeing for over a decade, creating spaces that help sisters stay active, healthy, and connected. Whether it’s organising community sessions or showing up for a sister in need, she gives without hesitation.
Her heart is always in service, offering emotional and practical help to women who are struggling, and even supporting international charity work. Those who know her speak of her strength, her kindness, and how she always leaves everything aside to be there for others.
But behind the selfless giving is a woman who is tired. The weight of caring for so many has taken a toll – emotionally, physically, and mentally. She’s been hospitalised due to burnout, yet still continues to show up for others.
Rukhsana rarely takes time for herself. She deserves rest. She deserves healing. And she deserves to be on the receiving end of the same compassion she constantly gives. This retreat would be a small way of honouring a woman whose quiet acts of service have impacted so many.
3. Zara Lartey
Zara Lartey is a shining example of dedication, passion, and innovation in Leicester’s Muslim community. With boundless energy and unwavering commitment, she has transformed the landscape of sports and fitness for Muslim girls, youth, and women across the city.
Zara recognised early on that access to sport isn’t just about movement, it’s about confidence, empowerment, and belonging. She set out to create inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive environments where participants of all ages feel seen, supported, and safe.
Through her weekly fitness sessions and hijab-friendly basketball clubs, Zara makes sure no girl is left out. Her regular tournaments and creative events turn sport into something joyful, not intimidating,inviting even the most hesitant young women to join in. Parents call her a role model. Girls who once held back now arrive early, eager and proud.
Zara’s programmes don’t just build physical strength, they nurture leadership, self-belief, and sisterhood. Her creativity and consistency have helped shape a community where fitness is a right, not a luxury, and where identity is embraced, not hidden.
Zara is more than an organiser, she’s a catalyst for change, joy, and confidence for the women and girls of Leicester.
4. Fariyah Ashkir
I would like to nominate my dear friend Farhiya her unwavering dedication to our community. She has given so much of herself, her time, her energy, and her heart, always putting others before herself. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting those in need, or simply being a comforting presence, she has shown what true selflessness looks like.
She often forgets her own needs in the process, never seeking recognition or reward. But I believe it’s time she is seen, appreciated, and celebrated for all she’s done and the love she continues to give.
Her kindness is quiet but powerful, and her impact on those around her is lasting. She truly embodies what it means to give without expecting anything in return.
May Allah (SWT) bless her abundantly and grant her everything good in this world and the hereafter.
5. Amina Chopdat
Amina is someone who truly cares. After caring for her sister-in-law, who had severe epilepsy and a disability, and going through many ups and downs in her own life, she still found the strength to serve others. She took on a voluntary role caring for the elderly, taking on many responsibilities with dedication and compassion.
Even after her sister-in-law sadly passed away following a long illness, Amina didn’t stop. She continued to show up for others, including looking after my two children while I was performing Hajj, even taking care of my disabled daughter during that time.
To this day, she continues to volunteer at a day centre, helping adults with disabilities. She also takes part in a local women’s group and quietly serves in countless unseen ways.
Amina is one in a million, and she truly deserves this recognition.
Cast Your Vote
Voting will close on 26th July, and we’ll announce the recipient shortly after, in shaa Allah.
May Allah reward all of these women, seen and unseen, and continue to raise them in strength and barakah.
