Copyright theleader
A women-only gym in Almoradí, run by 24-year-old Moroccan entrepreneur Hasnae Bsadou, has become the focus of social media controversy after false claims circulated that it was “exclusively for Muslim women.” Bsadou, who has lived in the town for 12 years, opened Nisaa Wellness in April on Calle Nuestra Señora de Monserrate. The name Nisaa—Arabic for “women”—reflects her vision of creating a comfortable, respectful, and inclusive space where women can work out freely. She insists the gym welcomes “all women, regardless of religion, culture, or background.” The uproar began after online users shared a promotional video featuring a woman wearing a hijab—an actress, according to Bsadou—which fuelled xenophobic and Islamophobic reactions. She believes that if the video hadn’t included a veiled woman, “this controversy would never have arisen.” In fact, the video also showed women without headscarves and in regular sportswear, details largely ignored by those pushing the outrage. Bsadou denounced the reaction as rooted in “racist and Islamophobic prejudice,” describing it as part of a wider trend of exploiting migration to stir fear and resentment. She emphasized that the gym’s purpose is to promote health, well-being, and solidarity among women—“far from any form of discrimination or controversy.” Nisaa Wellness offers activities such as pilates, toning, spinning, boxing, and fat-burning sessions in small, personalized groups. Bsadou manages the center with a small all-female team, including a receptionist and two trainers. The controversy comes amid broader debates about immigration in the Valencia region. Official data show Almoradí’s population—23,105 residents—remains stable and increasingly diverse, with Moroccans forming the largest foreign community, followed by Britons and Russians. Local authorities view this demographic mix as a sign of the town’s social and economic vitality.
