Charity Commission Faces Backlash Over Fun Run Gender Ban

The Charity Commission has drawn significant criticism for its decision not to investigate the East London Mosque Trust after the organization barred women and girls over the age of 12 from participating in a charity fun run. The incident has raised concerns about gender discrimination and public trust in charitable organizations.

The 5km Muslim Charity Run, which took place on October 12, 2025, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, was promoted as an “inclusive” and “family-friendly” event. However, reports revealed that the event organizers prohibited female participants aged 12 and above, prompting outrage from women’s rights activists. Critics have labelled the ban as “regressively sexist” and have accused the organizers of being more conservative than policies observed in some countries.

In response to public outcry, Conservative Party members, including Kevin Hollinrake, Claire Coutinho, and Mims Davies, wrote to the Charity Commission, urging an investigation. They argued that the exclusion of women and older girls constitutes both sex and age discrimination, highlighting the implications for public perception of the charity’s operations.

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, addressed the concerns in a letter, stating that the Commission found “no evidence” indicating that the charity was failing to serve the public benefit. He noted that the Commission had previously conducted a regulatory inquiry into the East London Mosque Trust regarding financial management issues, yet only issued an official warning.

The response from the Charity Commission has been met with disappointment from Hollinrake, who expressed that the public expected a more decisive action. He stated, “This case carries serious implications for public trust in the East London Mosque Trust, and it is difficult to understand why the Commission has not taken a firmer position.”

Women’s rights advocates have continued to voice their concerns, emphasizing the need for regulatory bodies to uphold equality and protect against discrimination. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also mentioned that it is reviewing the situation but has decided not to pursue further action at this time.

In defending its policy, the East London Mosque has asserted that its event operates within the legal framework of the Equality Act, which permits single-sex events under certain conditions. A spokesperson stated that the fun run is analogous to other events such as the Women’s Run Series, which also restrict participation based on gender.

The Charity Commission has indicated that it will seek further details from the EHRC regarding their decision, which may influence any future assessments of the charity’s compliance with equalities law. The ongoing discussion highlights a broader societal debate over gender roles and equality within community events and charitable activities.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains crucial for regulatory bodies to navigate the complexities of charity law and public expectations, ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to community engagement and participation.