Gender Equality Iraq Project #38214

Refugee Women's Fitness

by Operation Mercy

Summary

Provides a safe and consistent place for women to gather and practice aerobic dance and strengthening exercise in two Syrian Refugee camps. This program improves the physical, mental, and emotional health of participants, creates community, and trains leaders from within the community. Women have seen dramatic weight loss, better self-image, increased confidence and energy, less sickness, healthier marriages and families new friendships, and empowerment to serve their communities creatively.

$40,080
total goal

$27,058
remaining

67
donors

1
monthly donor

2
fundraisers

4
years

Challenge

In refugee camp settings, women are especially prone to physical inactivity, isolation, high stress, and depression. Women report spending most of their time within their small homes and tents and are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and depression according to the World Health Organization. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Camps lack the availability of resources for physical fitness and health education.

Solution

Operation Mercy has successfully provided regular fitness classes in two Syrian refugee camps. We seek to continue to offer 3 to 4 classes per week per location, directly impacting the lives of approximately 200 Syrian refugee women. The classes will consist of music based dance and fitness excercises and sometimes include a short input on topics related to physical, relational, mental, and spiritual health combined with follow up on the growth of individuals.

Long-Term Impact

The project coordinator, staff, and volunteers will visit participants in their homes to help facilitate the growth of community and support groups. We will continue to invest in our staff and volunteers through training to increase the quality of the program, raise up more stakeholders and have a deeper impact in their lives. We plan to explore ways to increase the sustainability of the program and help empower women to become change agents in their communities.