EMPOWERVAN
Empowering displaced women and girls through self-defense education allowing them to live independently and free of violence.
We facilitate physical self-defense classes for women and girls living in refugee camps in Greece. Additionally, we organize holistic empowerment self defense seminars for girls and women on the move. By learning basic physical self-defense techniques, boundary-setting methods, exit strategies and training their awareness, we help women on the move live a life free from violence.
Creating change, one women at a time.
Empowerment through presence • Self-defense is solidarity • Women supporting women • Trust before training • Showing up matters • Empowerment through presence •
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Empowerment through presence • Self-defense is solidarity • Women supporting women • Trust before training • Showing up matters • Empowerment through presence • •
It all begins with showing up.
Sometimes we teach a full self-defense class.
Sometimes we talk to one woman by the van.
Sometimes, no one comes.
But we still show up. Because presence matters.
EmpowerVan is a feminist, mobile project bringing free self-defense and empowerment to displaced women in refugee camps.
We create space for movement, for strength, for connection, even when everything else is uncertain.
Impact in Numbers
6.738
km’s driven
We are driven to reach the most vulnerable people in isolated locations
17
Locations
We have taught in 10 locations over 3 countries.
235
students empowered
Every student matters, we will teach even if only one person shows up, because we are determined to make a difference where we can!
218
hours taught
Our weekly self-defense classes are between 60 - 90 minutes, and a full seminar consists of 8 hours of class.
Programmatic Activities
Physical Self-Defense Classes
Every week, we travel to refugee camps near Athens with our fully equipped van, in order to facilitate physical self-defense classes to the women and girls living inside the camps.
Empowerment Self Defense Seminar
We go shelters and organizations in order to teach holistic empowerment self defense seminars.
Training for Aid Workers
We help the helping hands in the field create safer spaces, by training them in de-escalation, bystander intervention and learning about boundaries and cultural differences.
Behind EmpowerVan.
What you see isn’t all there is.
Building a mobile space for resistance takes more than wheels and tools.
Showing up in refugee camps takes more than a lesson plan.
We’ve got self-defense instructors on the ground, legal advisors on our board, and helping hands supporting with communications, paperwork and fundraising.
