Charity Commission Faces Backlash Over Women’s Ban at Fun Run

The Charity Commission is facing significant criticism after it declined to investigate the East London Mosque Trust, which banned women and girls over the age of 12 from participating in a recent charity fun run. The event, known as the Muslim Charity Run, took place on October 12, 2025, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, and was marketed as ‘inclusive’ and ‘family-friendly’. However, the ban on female participants has drawn ire from women’s rights advocates who described the action as “regressively sexist.”

In a letter addressed to the Charity Commission, Conservative Party members including Kevin Hollinrake, the party chair, voiced their concerns, asserting that the exclusion of women and older girls constitutes direct discrimination based on sex and age. Hollinrake, alongside shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho and shadow women’s minister Mims Davies, emphasized that the event’s policies represent blatant segregation and marginalization of women.

David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, responded to the request for an inquiry by stating there was “no evidence” suggesting the charity was not operating for the “public benefit.” He noted in a letter that the Commission had considered whether the event’s organization indicated a failure to fulfill its charitable goals. However, he concluded that there was insufficient evidence of a systematic failure warranting further investigation.

The East London Mosque Trust, which has organized the fun run since 2012, has faced previous scrutiny regarding its financial management. The Charity Commission had previously launched a regulatory inquiry into the trust due to concerns over fiscal practices, yet the outcome led only to an official warning rather than any substantial action.

Hollinrake expressed disappointment with the Charity Commission’s decision, suggesting that the public would expect a firmer stance in light of the serious implications this issue raises for public trust in the East London Mosque Trust. He remarked, “It is difficult to understand why the Commission has not taken a firmer position,” highlighting the broader expectations of accountability from regulatory bodies.

In its defense, the East London Mosque has argued that its policy does not breach the Equality Act, which prohibits sex discrimination. A spokesperson for the mosque asserted that the event operates under the same legal framework as similar segregated events, such as the Women’s Run Series, which also restrict participation by sex.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has indicated it will not pursue further action regarding the fun run but is currently in discussions with the Charity Commission to provide additional context regarding its findings. A spokesperson for the Charity Commission stated that they are awaiting further details from the EHRC, which may influence future assessments of the charity’s compliance with relevant guidelines.

As the situation unfolds, it highlights a complex intersection of charity governance, public expectations, and the ongoing discourse surrounding gender equality in community events.