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?

Eid

Eid in Birmingham

Birmingham is the UK’s second biggest city with a population of just over a million people. Amazingly a quarter of that population is Muslim, so there were no surprises this weekend when over 100,000 people turned out for a fun-filled day to celebrate Eid.

Flocking to Small Heath Park in the south side of the city, the impressive crowd came together in prayer thanks to the efforts of Celebrate Eid – the country’s biggest festival for marking the end of Ramadan in the UK’s most Muslim city, and with the weather staying bright, it was a wonderful day enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

That’s not to say that organisers didn’t feel pangs of anxiety at being responsible for the welfare of such a big number of attendees though, as they were all too aware of the heavy armed-police presence, deemed necessary for the first time in the seven years the event has been running.

Over the past few weeks there has been a rise in Islamophobic crime all over the country. The despicable attacks in London and Manchester have meant that the far-right have been more vocal in their dissent, which culminated in the sickening attack on the Finsbury Park mosque last week.

Muslim women in particular have been vocal about their reluctance to use public transport on their own following the attack, while some schools have been forced to cancel trips out over safety concerns.

The tension over the past few weeks has been palpable, not just in the capital, but all over the country, meaning a visible police presence was a sad necessity.

But thankfully, the day couldn’t have gone better. The police stationed at the entrance of the park were untroubled and the additional security personnel inside weren’t needed for anything other than to reunite lost children with their parents after they’d become separated.

It was an important day to prove that we have strong community values and it was also important that 100,000 Muslim worshippers were able to congregate in a major metropolitan area like Birmingham and hold an event that went off without a hitch.

There may have been a large number of people who decided not to go, but for those who did it was an inspiring act of community to show what the true spirit of Islam is all about.

“This is the true face of Islam. We are sending a message to the whole world that we are united against terrorism, united against hate,” said local Lib Dem Councillor Zaker Choudhry before the prayer, and we couldn’t agree more.

At times of hardship, it can be easy to shut up shop and hide away, but this event should teach us that we are a stronger community than we’re often given credit for and that there will always be a great spirit running through us all.

The country is hurting at the moment, but it will only heal when terrorists of all kinds learn that we cannot be broken. Events like these go a long way towards proving this and it came at a time when we could all use a little more joy in our lives.

Ramadan

Ramadan: A Beautiful Time To Give Back

Muslims around the world have now been fasting for around three weeks and experiencing the peace, reflection and spirituality that Ramadan can offer.

The Holy Month presents a wonderful opportunity to consider not only our own lives, but the wellbeing of those around us. It’s a time for community, for family, and unity with those in the wider world.

Charity is a cornerstone of Ramadan where Muslims give more than at any other time of the year. In fact, British Muslims donate more money to good causes during Ramadan than any other group of people, making us the most generous givers in the country! Some of this money goes to local charities, some goes to helping those in desperate need abroad, such as in Syria.

Coincidentally, this week is Refugee Week UK. Refugee Week takes place every year across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on the 20 June. In the UK, Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.

The core principles of Refugee Week and Ramadan share some similarities, such as looking after those who need our support. Ramadan reminds us to look out for our loved ones, our neighbours, and people in our community.

We’ve all heard about – and been affected by – the horrific terror attacks in Britain over the last few months, in London and Manchester. We need to comfort and support each other during these tough times, but also learn how to spot the signs of radicalisation in our community and be ready to take action where necessary. We all want to live in safe and happy communities and prevent people becoming drawn into extremist ideologies which might result in them harming themselves or others around them.

The website Families Matter has some advice about how to spot the signs of radicalisation and what to do if you’re concerned about someone.

Last week, ODARA took part in an interfaith iftar at St Peter’s Church in Birmingham to commemorate the plight of refugees alongside several other organisations and charities. It was a fantastic opportunity for faiths to come together during Ramadan and Refugee Week and reiterate our common values.

Several organisations, local businesses and charities came together to break fast with the local Muslim community. The event was well attended with people of multiple faiths preparing food together, taking part in ice breaker activities and listening to speakers talking about their experiences working with refugees and one speaker sharing her story of being a refugee. ODARA has personally helped refugee families including that of Hatam whose family fled Iraq and are now seeking refuge in the UK.

We wish you all a blessed Ramadan and hope the last days of the Holy Month are filled with joy and happiness. Get out there and look out for one another!

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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.