Q&A Amira Patel
In 2020, Amira Patel set up a group for Muslim women looking to connect with the outdoors. The Wanderlust Women has since attracted more than 2,000 Instagram followers, made the National Diversity Awards’ nominations shortlist, and introduced dozens of women from diverse backgrounds to outdoor adventuring.
How did Wanderlust Women get started?
I officially started it a year ago. I did set up a casual women’s walking group a few years back, but back then not as may people were interested. I think many felt there wasn’t a community out there or groups they could join. Then we went into lockdown and I noticed there were more people interested because there was nothing else to do! I put a post on Instagram saying we shouldn’t let how we look and our identity stop us from doing things, and I got a lot of people reaching out to me – that gave me a push to focus on a group for Muslim women so that they feel there’s a safe space for them.
So there was an audience out there of Muslim women who wanted to get outdoors but weren’t sure how to go it alone?
Definitely. There’s this stigma we face, with people thinking that Muslim women can’t do anything, can’t have fun – and there’s racism and Islamophobia. Obviously if you’ve seen in the news that things happen to veiled women then that can make you scared. So many people got in touch with me who wanted to do something like this but felt they couldn’t because they felt intimidated or couldn’t join other groups because they didn’t fit in.
The group has been really popular, then?
My events get sold out within a few seconds. Literally – I put something up and it’s sold out! I’ll also get messages asking if we can recommend a route to do, or somebody saying they came out last weekend and it gave them the confidence to do something themselves. I do a lot of solo adventures and many people ask how I do it. I say: just get out of your comfort zone and then you’ll be able to do different things.
What kind of adventures have The Wanderlust Women been on so far?
We launched just after lockdown and we had so many things planned – but then lockdown happened again! We’ve done a few walks in the Peak District, a few walks around Bolton, where I’m from, and in the Lake District and Scotland. We’ve been gorge walking and rock climbing. And we have lots coming up – kayaking, canoeing, cycling. This weekend we’ve got a Ramadan Iftar hike where we’re going to go for a walk, watch the sunset, open our fast and have that time together. And we’re planning an Eid hike as well. I like to bring that faith part into it as well as a nice way to engage and interact with everyone.
Have you always loved the outdoors?
From a young age we’ve always travelled, gone to different places and seen beautiful scenery. My mum loved being outdoors.
I was a bit of a tomboy growing up as well, but during my teenage years if she got me to come out with her and I used to moan and groan all the time. That changed when we went up our local hill, Rivington Pike. I found it really hard (which is funny, because I can run up and down there now) but I really enjoyed it. Then I started doing solo adventures.
Which of your walks was most memorable?
One of my favourites – although also one of the hardest – has been Scafell Pike, because the route we took was really beautiful but not well known. I’d trekked abroad a lot, but it was the first UK mountain I’d done. It was really good, not just because it was so beautiful but because it taught me quite a few lessons.
Do you think you’re perceived differently outdoors because you’re wearing a veil?
Someone doesn’t really have to say anything and you can still feel uncomfortable because of the way you’re looked at. I’ll always say ‘hi’ first and try to make myself look as ‘normal’ as possible. Sometimes people will say something like “Are you not hot in that?” or “This must be your first time” – undermining you because you’re wearing something that looks different and you don’t look like a typical outdoorsy hiker. And sometimes of course you encounter serious racism. People don’t understand the anxieties you have behind the veil. Will I be safe here? Will people be racist towards me? I feel that, if I don’t speak up about this, then who else is going to do it?
What can other hikers do to make you feel more comfortable?
If someone doesn’t know about a certain faith there are so many resources out there for people looking to learn – so, firstly, it’s about educating yourself. Secondly, if someone has a genuine question I’m always happy to talk about my work and my religion. Finally, it’s also about what you can do in your own community – if you know of other people who need educating, then talk to them; don’t be silent.
■ Follow the Wanderlust Women on Instagram: @the.wanderlust.women