Diverse Strength funded by The Sandbox Project

Project Sponsor

DiverseStrength Self-Defense Program

The DiverseStrength Self-Defense Program, supported by a grant from The Sandbox Project, is a free, inclusive initiative designed to empower diverse young women aged 12-22 in London, Ontario, including vulnerable newcomers, immigrants, migrant workers, and refugees. The program addresses the unique challenges faced by these groups by providing a culturally inclusive and trauma-informed space for learning self-defense skills, fostering confidence, and building resilience.

Project Objectives:

1. Empower Participants: Equip young women with essential self-defense skills while promoting confidence, safety, and resilience.
2. Foster Inclusion: Create a safe and welcoming environment for participants from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
3. Encourage Community Building: Develop a sense of community through shared experiences and collaboration among participants.

Key Program Components:

• Culturally Competent Instructors: Workshops are led by trainers who understand the diverse backgrounds and unique needs of participants, ensuring relevance and sensitivity.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: The program integrates mental health support and stress management sessions to address participants’ holistic well-being.
• Youth Leadership: Youth leaders play an active role in program design and implementation, fostering ownership and peer-to-peer support.

Program Activities:

1. Outreach and Recruitment: Flyers are distributed in multiple languages through community centers, ethnic organizations, schools, and social media to ensure broad accessibility.
2. Self-Defense Workshops: Practical training sessions focus on situational awareness and empowerment strategies.
3. Self-Care Sessions: Workshops address stress management and mental health, complementing physical self-defense training.
4. Feedback and Evaluation: Participant feedback is gathered to assess the program’s impact and inform future iterations.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased confidence and self-efficacy among participants.
• Strengthened sense of safety and community belonging.
• Improved cultural competency and inclusivity in program delivery.

The DiverseStrength Self-Defense Program demonstrates EmpowerHer Diversity Hub’s commitment to creating impactful, community-driven initiatives that address the needs of marginalized and underrepresented groups.

This project is funded by The Sandbox Project.