"The two-month course focuses on physical techniques and mental changes, such as awareness of surroundings and using one's voice."
Strength on the Mat: Jiu-Jitsu Class Empowers Refugee Women in Beirut
In the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class is teaching refugee girls and women self-defense and empowerment. The two-month course, led by coach Mirella Atallah, focuses on both physical techniques and mental changes, such as situational awareness and using one's voice.
Key Details
- The class takes place in a makeshift gym inside the camp.
- Participants practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art known for leveraging technique over strength.
- Coach Mirella Atallah emphasizes women's empowerment, not just self-defense.
Voices from the Camp
"I felt changes in my mental health and behavior after just two weeks." — Aisha Saqqa, 18-year-old student
Atallah noted that some participants initially struggled to scream for help, a critical skill in self-defense. Fatima Mohammad, a 21-year-old substitute teacher, said the class increased her confidence.
Background
- The camp hosts Palestinian refugees displaced since 1948.
- Atallah is the first Lebanese woman to achieve a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
- She has taught approximately 1,500 women and girls globally, including in Syria and Pakistan.
- The classes are free and target migrant workers, refugee women, and LGBT individuals.
Ongoing Challenges
Many women in the camps face poverty, harassment, and domestic violence. Lack of safe public transportation restricts movement, especially at night, making access to such programs even more vital.