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About Smart Women CIC

Our story, mission, values and the people driving real change in Birmingham since 2013.

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Our Story

Born from Community,
Built for Women

SMART WOMEN COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY was founded in 2013 to address the urgent need for culturally sensitive, women-centred support in Sparkbrook and Sparkhill — two of Birmingham's most diverse yet economically challenged areas.

Registered as both a Community Interest Company and the Smart Citizens Charitable Foundation (Charity No. 08332277), we have grown from a grassroots initiative into a multi-programme organisation supporting over 2,300 women every year.

Our approach is rooted in listening. We speak the languages our members speak — Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Pashto and English — and design every service around their real needs and lived experiences.

Our Journey

Key Milestones

2013
Founded in Sparkbrook, Birmingham
Smart Women CIC established following consultation with over 800 women. Baseline surveys identified demand for gym facilities, ESOL classes, IT workshops, community events and food support.
2015
Charity Registration — Smart Citizens Charitable Foundation
Registered as a charity (No. 1182504, Company No. 8332277), enabling grant funding and expanded community services across Sparkbrook and Sparkhill.
2018
Women-Only Gym & Sauna Opens
Opened our dedicated women-only gym, steam room and sauna — the first of its kind in the area. Offering yoga, zumba, aerobics, swimming and one-to-one fitness coaching for women only.
2020–21
Tudor Trust & Warm Welcome Spaces
2nd successful year with Tudor Trust funding. Street Games Easter, Summer and Winter clubs. Established Warm Welcome Spaces as community hubs providing warmth and social connection.
2022
Expanded Community Programmes
Organised 20 events with 3,710 participants. ESOL classes, IT/digital training workshops, food distribution festivals, women's day celebrations, Pakistan independence day events and health awareness campaigns.
2023
FIT Smart Women Health Project
Launched the FIT Smart Women Project: gym passes for 50 women from BAME backgrounds experiencing unemployment, domestic violence, depression and low self-esteem. 3,912 total gym visits. 90% decrease in social isolation reported.
2024
Record Year — 2,300+ Women Supported
Led 16 strategic projects. Supported 2,300+ women. 618 event participants. 670 food boxes. 510 baby boxes. 1,000+ meals. 86 women reached through breast cancer awareness. 216 day trip participants. 90% reduction in social isolation.
Mission & Vision

What We Stand For

Our Mission

To foster social inclusion, empower women, and promote equality in work, home and politics. We provide safe spaces, skill development and wellbeing programmes to help women become stronger and independent.

Our Vision

A community where every woman can thrive — free from isolation, equipped with skills and knowledge, connected to opportunities, and supported by a network that genuinely cares and understands.

Cultural Sensitivity
All our services are designed around the cultural needs of BAME women. We speak Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Pashto and English.
Community-First
Every decision starts with the community. We consult, listen and adapt — ensuring our programmes reflect real needs and lived experiences.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Comprehensive safeguarding policies, mandatory DBS checks, GDPR-trained staff (Iqra Boota, certified), Equality Act 2010 compliance.
Inclusivity
We welcome women of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. No woman is turned away — we always find a way to help and support.
Transparency & Governance
Strong governance with a skilled board of trustees. Regular external audits, financial accountability and open reporting to funders and communities.
Holistic Wellbeing
We address the whole person — physical health via the gym, mental health via counselling, social wellbeing via community events and practical needs via food banks.
Our Leadership

Board of Trustees & Directors

A diverse, highly qualified team with deep roots in the Birmingham BAME community — committed to transparency, safeguarding and continuous improvement.

Rubina Tareen
Chair & Founder
20+ years as a Community Support Worker and Wellbeing Therapist. Law & Psychology Graduate. Multilingual in Urdu, Punjabi, English, Mirpuri and Pashto. Level 4 Teaching Diploma, Level 3 Counselling, First Aid, Safeguarding.
Strategic PlanningProject ManagementCommunity AdvocacySafeguardingDBS Checked
Musarat Nazir
Treasurer
Experienced Community Support Worker with extensive financial management skills. Bilingual in Punjabi, Urdu and English. Qualified in ESOL Level 3, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety and Safeguarding.
Financial ManagementEvent PlanningCommunity NetworkingESOL Level 3DBS Checked
2024 Impact Data

Measurable Transformation

2,300+
Women supported through tailored social, economic and health programmes
618
Event participants across 6 major community events in 2024
3,912
Gym visits by 50 women over 6 months through the FIT Project
86
Women reached through the breast cancer awareness programme
670
Food boxes distributed to families in Sparkbrook and Sparkhill
510
Baby boxes provided to support new parents in the community
79
Individuals supported through IAG services in 2024
216
Day trip participants to Skegness, Blackpool, Brighton and Clacton