From boxing to skateboarding: how our sporting programmes are breaking barriers in displaced communities

"Some of these girls were born in the camp, they've never known life beyond its fences. For them, the idea of skating was something entirely new, almost unimaginable. But once they stepped onto the board, everything changed. While skating, they felt free, unburdened, and confident. This is more than just sport; it is liberation."

These words from our Project Manager, Hassan, capture the profound work taking place at The Lotus Flower centre in Rwanga Camp, a settlement for displaced families who have been forced to  flee regional conflict in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 

In the centre we run our Skating Sisters programme for girls aged between 10-16, and our Boxing Sisters programme for women aged between 16 - 35.  What started out as community-created initiatives have become a powerful testament to the ways sport can transform lives in displacement settings. The programmes not only help the girls to develop life skills like teamwork and leadership, but they are also transcending cultural boundaries. 

In settings where girls face gender-based discrimination, sport has an amazing ability to break down barriers. As well as increasing physical activity and mental wellbeing, these programmes serve as a trusted entry point for social change by opening up conversations about gender equality, access to education, and leadership opportunities. 

In the words of our boxing and skating trainer, Nadifa: “We aren’t just teaching a sport. We are challenging a mindset.”

Boxing Sisters Programme - Rwanga Camp

At The Lotus Flower centre, our ongoing programmes like Boxing Sisters teach girls how to defend themselves and command space. Young women and girls have the chance to step into a space once reserved for men and boys and make it their own. For many, the punching bag is a release from the trauma they have experienced and a channel for building confidence. Groups gather to train together, building both physical resilience and friendship. They discover not only how to throw a punch, but also how to stand tall, claim space, and support one another

Our pioneering Skating Sisters is another programme that is supporting girls to grow in self-belief, resilience, and balance.  Launched in partnership with Skateistan earlier this year, Skating Sisters brought the first-ever skateboard ramp to the Duhok region, offering skating training for girls in Rwanga Camp. 

What was initially planned for 40 participants quickly expanded to 60, as girls queued behind the fences, eager to join. Today, three groups - Jasmine, Butterfly, and Hope (names chosen by the girls themselves) - gather weekly at our purpose-built ramp to practice, play, and build lasting friendships. 

"This is more than just sport; it is liberation," reflects Hassan. "Boards can carry more than tricks. They carry hope, solidarity, and the promise of new possibilities for these girls."

Despite barriers like lack of experience and limited community support, we find that participation dramatically enhances psychological wellbeing and is helping the girls navigate the complex challenges of displacement. 

Find out more: 

If you would like to find out more, we invite you to watch our Skating Sisters documentary here. We were thrilled to premiere the film at this year’s Battle of Hastings International BMX festival in partnership with Source Park. 

You can also listen to a BBC radio documentary on our Boxing Sisters here.

Follow our journey on Instagram @thelotusf and discover more about our work at www.thelotusflower.org.