MiniGrant:
WenDo training for migrant women from Belarus

“Our feminism is Belarusian and amazing, just like Belarusian people. During the revolution of 2020, Belarusian women showed the power of solidarity, and we continue to do so. Together, we create a future for Belarus without violence and discrimination.”

About the group

The group operates at the “Belarusians in Lodz” Foundation, which is the heart of the Belarusian diaspora in Lodz and groups over 1,500 people. The foundation is developing in various directions, and the girlpower belarus lodz group was created to conduct feminist activities addressed to women.
The aim of the group is to help Belarusian women integrate in Poland, find themselves in the new place after moving, achieve self-fulfillment, as well as provide psychological and emotional support. The group knows that all this is possible only when women feel safe.

“We want Belarusian women in Lodz to feel confident, safe, calm, achieve their goals in every field, have their own voice and strength to oppose violence”

About the action

As part of the MiniGrant, the group intends to organize a two-day self-defense and assertiveness training WenDo, addressed to Belarusian women in Lodz.
They want to do this because they believe that self-defense and assertiveness are the basis for self-confidence, empowerment, and inclusion of persons at risk of discrimination and violence.The vast majority of Belarusian women living in Lodz need to feel more confident and safe, and WenDo training meets these needs – it will help build confidence that every woman has the strength and ability to defend herself. The training will be led by the Russian-speaking WenDo trainer.

Grant amount: PLN 4 900
Photograph from the group’s own materials