Reflections on the participation of Muslim women in disability sport: hijab, Burkini (R), modesty and changing strategies

The inclusion of women and girls in sport has been contested for centuries, tied to differences in the gendered view of what is seen as 'suitable' or appropriately 'modest'. Disabled women in many low-and middle-income countries face triple challenges related to gender, the lack of economic resources and disability. This article reflects upon some of the issues for global disability sport organizations, and for Muslim women, in the context of diverse religious and cultural attitudes towards Islamic Dress (hijab), the presentation of the female self, and interactions with males. Different strategies have been used to increase the participation of women; some international organizations have included training for women in low-and middle-income non-Western countries, and the Islamic Federation of Women's Sport instituted the Islamic Women's Games, held in Iran, offering separate women-only international sport events. Debate is global and heated, as researchers and communities are deeply divided on these issues.. The authors argue for more research, and the collection of data to allow for innovation and for a two-way and more informed discourse.