Empowerment Through Jiu Jitsu in Beirut’s Refugee Camps

In the Bourj el Barajneh refugee camp in South Beirut, a unique initiative is transforming the lives of Palestinian girls through Brazilian jiu jitsu. This martial art, originating from a Japanese discipline, is being taught by Mirella Atallah, a Lebanese-Canadian coach and former world champion.

Beyond Self-Defense

In this makeshift gym, Atallah trains her students to gain control over their surroundings and their voices, challenging societal norms which often dictate that girls should be invisible. Aisha Saqqa, an 18-year-old student, observed personal growth after participating in the two-month course. She expressed how the training has improved her confidence and mental health.

Atallah emphasizes the class goes beyond self-defense. It empowers girls to hold their heads high, make eye contact, and understand their environment, stepping away from the cultural expectation to remain unnoticed.

Building Confidence and Community

Many of the students, like Malak, a Palestinian refugee, find the training not only builds their confidence but forges strong friendships that feel familial. These bonds are crucial for support in challenging environments.

Raised in adversity, Atallah’s own life is a testament to overcoming hardships. Coming from a financially challenged family, she faced bullying and societal pressure. Despite these barriers, she pursued her dreams, eventually becoming a trailblazer as the first Lebanese woman to earn a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt.

Tackling Social Barriers

Atallah’s journey took her from Lebanon to Kuwait, and later, Canada. Here, she reinvented herself through yoga and martial arts, overcoming personal health challenges and gaining a new sense of empowerment.

Throughout her sessions, Atallah aims to change lives. She works expertly with non-governmental organizations to offer free classes to women in refugee camps, migrant workers, and the LGBT community, addressing some of the most marginalized groups in society. Her efforts have reached over 1,500 women globally.

Voices of Change

Participants, like Ola and her daughter Hadeel, have found strength in the training, gaining independence and resilience. Ola highlights the importance of setting an example for her daughter, proving that women can step beyond societal constraints and grow stronger.

As the girls train in Beirut, they discuss improvements they wish for their community. Atallah encourages these discussions, nurturing a sense of agency in her students, and urging them to envision a better future for their surroundings.

Despite the difficulties faced in camps, these girls are learning that they are not confined by their circumstances. Through jiu jitsu, they are discovering their inner strength and the possibility of change.