Empowering Palestinian Girls Through Jiu Jitsu

In the refugee camp of Bourj el Barajneh in South Beirut, young Palestinian girls train in jiu jitsu. Their coach, Mirella Atallah, leads the sessions with fervor. The training, structured in a modest gym space, contradicts societal norms about female behavior taught since childhood.

Atallah, a Lebanese-Canadian former world champion in Brazilian jiu jitsu, uses her expertise to empower women globally. Her training extends beyond self-defense techniques. It encourages participants to view empowerment as essential in public spaces, fostering confidence and mental growth.

For me, it’s important to call it women’s empowerment in public spaces, Atallah asserts. Her students learn to maintain awareness and command presence, a crucial shift for those accustomed to unobtrusiveness.

One participant, Aisha Saqqa, illustrates this transformation. An 18-year-old college student, Saqqa notes significant changes beyond physical training, extending to mental health enhancement. Mirella told us to act differently, Saqqa recalls, feeling more visible and vocal.

For Atallah, enduring difficulty echoes from her upbringing. Raised in Lebanon, she defied societal and familial constraints to pursue martial arts, despite initial discouragement regarding gender appropriateness.

Atallah presently thrives as a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and yoga teacher. Her journey included overcoming significant health and weight challenges, leading to empowerment through martial arts.

Jiu jitsu gave me a voice. I felt empowered, strong, and capable.

Her work with marginalized communities, particularly in Lebanon’s refugee camps, bears significance. Participants overcome diverse adversities inherent to their surroundings, where economic and social hardships abound.

Sixty girls and women train in the gym, bearing testimony to the strength of the community formed through jiu jitsu. Notable transformations in personality highlight the efficacy of such inclusive programs.

Ola, a participant with her daughter Hadeel, exemplifies empowerment through mutual encouragement in training. Fleeing wartime adversity, Ola advocates for her daughter’s independence and confidence. Their shared commitment represents the broader community spirit nurtured by Atallah.

The refugee camp’s challenges to its female inhabitants include poverty and vulnerability to violence. Atallah acknowledges the importance of the training environment, emphasizing the disparity from general Lebanese society perceptions.

It’s not us sitting in this cafe. It’s not what you see downtown.

Atallah collaborates with non-governmental organizations to extend training to other marginalized groups, including migrant workers and the LGBT community. Her global outreach sees her teaching in various countries, impacting thousands.

Each student’s journey reveals a unique narrative of resilience and ambition. Fatima Mohammad, for instance, articulates newfound confidence stemming from jiu jitsu, coupled with aspirations beyond the camp.

Atallah challenges participants to envision transformative changes in their environment. These narratives of empowerment position participants as catalysts for positive transformation.