Envisioning a World Free of Violence

EmpowerVan Greece

Context

Displaced co in Greece

Displaced communities in Greece are highly diverse. People arrive by sea from North Africa and Türkiye, many fleeing conflict or persecution in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond. Most have already survived long, dangerous journeys, only to face discrimination and deep uncertainty over asylum, legal status, and access to basic services.

Violence on arrival

In 2024, Greece recorded over 62,000 arrivals, the majority by sea. Many meet systemic violence on arrival, from pushbacks to unsafe hosting. Each year, thousands report being illegally pushed back at sea, sometimes with fatal consequences. Those who remain face overcrowded, increasingly prison-like refugee camps that are remote, walled, barbed-wired, and largely closed to NGOs, with limited healthcare, shelter, and freedom of movement.

The greatest risk falls on women and girls

For women and girls, the risks are sharpest. They face heightened exposure to gender-based violence, exploitation, and early or forced marriage, with little reliable protection or support.

This is why we show up

EmpowerVan create safe spaces, support healing and resilience, and help displaced women and girls reclaim their dignity and agency, one woman at a time. Because presence matters.

Our Programmatic Activities

  • A group of women at an indoor rock climbing gym listening to a woman in black explain something. The gym has climbing walls with holds in bright colors. The women stand on padded mats.

    Self-Defense Seminars

    Holistic self-defense: body to mind.

    Our seminars go beyond technique. We cover assertive communication, intuition, and coping tools alongside physical skills, so participants leave able to turn what they already know into action.

  • Ten people standing outdoors facing a white wall, holding up wooden plaques, with trees and a streetlamp illuminating the scene in the background.

    Camp Classes

    Practice what we preach.

    Every week we teach physical self-defense just outside the refugee camps near Athens, drilling techniques until they become second nature, with de-escalation always the first tool. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Recently featured by the BBC.

  • Group of people sitting on black gym mats in a martial arts gym, with one instructor standing near punching bags and boxing rings, in front of a colorful mural.

    Aid Worker Training

    Creating safe environments.

    We stand with the people on the front lines too. Through de-escalation, self-care, and self-defense workshops for humanitarian aid workers, from frontline volunteers to legal aid and social workers, we help them build safer spaces for themselves and the people they support.

  • Van Tours

    Reaching those most in need.

    Through mobile outreach, our van brings self-defense, safe spaces, and resources straight to displaced women and girls in isolated refugee camps and shelters, making room for healing and connection where access is hardest.

A young woman with braided hair and dark skin wearing headphones and a black Nike t-shirt outdoors in a wooded area, smiling at the camera.

“It's very important for me as a woman to feel safe, therefore taking the self-defense classes are important for me to feel that sense of security”


— Ruvi, Course Participant