A Birmingham fencing group that has given Muslim women the chance to take up a sport traditionally out of their reach has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Community Project Award by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
Founded in 2017 by Robina “Binni” Begum, Binni’s Bladez has transformed fencing into a platform for empowerment, friendship, and resilience. What started as part of the Muslim Girls Fence project – supported by British Fencing – has grown into a thriving weekly group of more than 30 women of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds meeting at Ladywood Leisure Centre.
Binni’s Bladez is more than a sports club; it is a safe space where women can challenge stereotypes, reclaim their identity, and build confidence. For many participants, it has been life-changing. One woman described the group as the place that helped her recover after domestic violence, saying: “This project helped me accept who I am and supported me through my DV chapter of my life. A chapter I closed and found the strength to believe I can breathe for myself without suffocation.”
Binni’s journey has not been without struggle. She has faced rejection and racial abuse within the sport yet, instead of giving up, she channelled that adversity into determination to carve out a space for women who have long been excluded from elite sport.
Her impact has reached far beyond Birmingham. In 2023, Binni’s Bladez featured in the national This Girl Can campaign, showcasing the project’s role in championing inclusivity and encouraging underrepresented women to find their voice through sport.
“Binni’s Bladez is an inspiring example of how grassroots projects can change lives,” said West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster. “Robina’s resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity have empowered women, broken down barriers, and built stronger, safer, and healthier communities. This recognition is richly deserved.”
Also shortlisted in the Outstanding Community Project Award category is the Coventry Boys and Girls Club (CBGC), whose MAC Project works with vulnerable young people aged 10–19. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported nearly 300 young people referred by schools, probation, and youth services, tackling issues from youth violence to mental health and inequality.
The winner of the Outstanding Community Project Award will be announced on Monday, October 6, at the Brasshouse Community Centre in Smethwick.
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