Odara offers women the opportunity to grow personally, professionally and socially.

Are you looking to set up your own business? We can help you network by organising an event where you can meet potential customers and backers.

Are you a busy Mum raising your family? Take time out and come to one of our coffee mornings and chat with other Mums.

Feel you need to escape from the daily grind? Come and unwind with us, where you can pause, reflect and ask others for guidance if you feel you need it.

Do you struggle to know who to discuss difficult topics with? We provide a sympathetic ear, so you’re free to chat with us about everything from mental health issues, self-esteem, or family worries.

These are the reasons why Odara is the fastest growing women’s network in the Midlands. We don’t judge. We won’t discriminate. What we can promise is a warm welcome.

Our members are students, Mums and businesswomen, of all ages and backgrounds. Our belief is that together we are so much stronger.

We run a wide range of workshops created by, and tailored exclusively for women. We’ve listened to you and come up with range of workshops which address your needs and concerns.

Our workshops cover the following topics, so we’re sure you’ll find something that appeals directly to you
  • Women’s wellbeing
  • Personal development
  • Educational development
  • Social development

In addition we also offer a wide range of health and sport activities to keep you fit as well.

Wellbeing.
Odara’s brand new Sanctuary and Wellbeing Centre is a safe, relaxing and soothing women-only space that allows you to unwind and meet other like-minded women.

Our Centre is the only spa, gym, hammam, pool and hot tub* in Birmingham exclusively for women. Inspired by the stunning architecture and colours of Morocco, our Centre provides a haven of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Membership packages are now available.

*coming soon

Amenities include:

  • Hammam exfoliation treatment
  • Fitness classes
  • Organic Moroccan skin care products
  • Personal training and advice
  • Holistic, therapeutic, beauty and body treatments

Treatment menu
Membership

Ask Aysha.
If something’s concerning you and you have a burning question on the matter, then ‘Ask Aysha’.

In this turbulent world of ours we tend to have more questions than answers given the daily bombardment of news, views and opinions we’re subjected to on TV and online. Often this can leave us wondering where to turn, which is why you can contact Odara’s Aysha with any questions you may have about current affairs, politics, family issues – you name it, Aysha can help, or point you in the right direction.

Visit Ask Aysha

Our blog.
What’s happening in the world of Odara?

Iftar

Odara’s Big Iftar Great Get Together!

This Sunday, local and community organisations are coming together to celebrate The Moseley Road Street Iftar Get Together.
It’s going to be a fantastic way to bring our communities together in a sharing of culture and connection as part of the Holy Month of Ramadan and The Great Get Together – a UK-wide network of events. More than 100,000 Get Togethers are planned for this weekend in an amazing display of unity and solidarity.

The Great Get Together is an initiative organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, which was launched in memory of the Yorkshire MP who was tragically murdered one year ago. Jo was dedicated to bringing communities together and, in her first ever speech to Parliament after being elected, said: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” It has become a mantra upon which The Great Get Together is based.

Odara is one of the organisations taking part in The Moseley Road Street Iftar Get Together.

It’s taking place at the Lidl car park in Balsall Heath on Sunday 18 June from 20.30 – 22.30 and promises to be a celebration of food, activities and tours. What better way to get to know your neighbours and people from our local communities whom we might not ordinarily meet?

“We always promise a warm welcome to everyone and this Iftar in Balsall Heath is the perfect example of our community coming together,” says Aysha Iqbal from Odara. “No one will be judged. No one will be discriminated against. It’s the first time Moseley Road organisations have worked together on a project of this scale. Our whole community is showing that together we are so much stronger.”

Ramadan teaches us to reach out to our community in the spirit of giving, peace and love. This Sunday, we will be breaking our fast after sundown with Muslims and non-Muslims from our local community. It is going to be a celebration of solidarity and unity and we looking forward to welcoming you on Sunday!

Ramadan

Reflecting on the key lessons Ramadan teaches us

Ramadan is experienced differently by everyone. We all lead different lifestyles, live in different communities and even fast at different hours around the world. Ramadan brings us all together through worship and fasting and allows us to reflect on shared experiences during this holy month. In this post we reflect on the different lessons and experiences that shape Ramadan for us and characterise it as the enriching and beautiful experience it is.

One lesson Ramadan teaches us particularly well every year is of course, patience. From fasting long hours to reading and understanding the whole Quran – especially if Arabic is not your first language. Everything we do in Ramadan is driven by patience and not in a short-term sense either. Patience that the hunger, thirst and long nights staying up in worship will be rewarded accordingly is what drives many of us during this month.

Another lesson that is most valuable is practicing self-discipline. To be able to overcome our desires for something far greater than ourselves and out of personal choice is the epitome of self-discipline and its beautifully displayed during Ramadan amongst millions of Muslims. This month allows us to practice this self-discipline beyond Ramadan too through the healthy habits we pick up.

For many of us and the lifestyles we lead, praying on time at work can prove to be increasingly difficult – especially when meetings are scheduled right around prayer times. This leads us on to the final lesson we think Ramadan teaches us the most and that’s pride. Pride in the faith we practice, pride in yourself and in your body for being able to carry out long 18 hour fasts day in day out during this month. Pride in letting others also know of what Ramadan means to you and what fasting and prayer means to you.

Those are just some of the skills we’ve learnt during Ramadan – but there are many more! What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt? Let us know.

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contact@odara.org.uk

0121 439 1511 or 07941771055

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We are grateful for the in kind support provided to us through the government's 'Building A Stronger Britain Together' programme. Through this partnership we receive capacity building support across a number of different areas including social media training, communications strategy and campaign development.