Muslim woman abused for wearing niqab at prize ceremony vows to continue work

Khadija was awarded for empowering young women (Picture: @LancashireFA) A Muslim woman who was abused online after accepting an award wearing a niqab has said she will not stop serving her community. Khadija Patel, 39, was pictured in the religious garment after she won the British Citizen Award for inspiring children to get into sport in Bolton. The image soon went viral and prompted a wave of Islamophobic hate, with commentators attacking her face covering and claiming she couldn’t empower women. Khadija has now spoken out, telling Metro her face covering ‘does not stop me from serving my community’. She added: ‘My work should be judged by my actions and not by what I am wearing. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Bre