There’s a new recreational center in a Syrian displacement camp–and there’s something special about it. Designed only for women and girls, it’s a place for female camp residents to focus on their well-being and have a little fun.
A women-only center allows women and girls to exercise safely and confidently.
In our role as camp manager, we coordinate humanitarian assistance and community-based activities. We organize engaging, educational, and supportive programs for people of all ages at our libraries and centers. We work with residents to understand what they need and what could help them regain a sense of themselves and of community. The 292 households in this camp expressed the need for a safe space for women and girls to exercise and socialize.
In response, Blumont built and opened the Women’s Recreational Center. We designed the center as a safe, inclusive space for fostering women and girls’ physical and mental health.
Women from the camp gathered in the center’s lounge, where they can engage in a variety of activities.
At the grand opening, our team of 70 was joined by 300 camp residents and members of partner organizations. We have already begun hosting a variety of activities such as sports, library sessions, community leader meetings, trainings, and educational activities. This diversified programming promotes women’s and girls’ physical, emotional, and social well-being while building personal resilience.
The entrance to the recreational center on opening day.
The gym is outfitted with treadmills, bicycles, and basic exercise equipment, and a locker room. There’s a projector and sound system for videos and music. A lounge area is set up with a kitchenette, sofas, books, and a projector, providing a welcoming environment to socialize or relax. There is also a separate space for toddlers and children so their caretakers can bring them along. “I am so happy for my children—they now have a safe place to play, exercise, and grow,” said Zahra, a mother and camp resident. “This gym means they can have a normal childhood, even in difficult circumstances.”
Since the opening, we have brought on several dedicated trainers to lead gym sessions and help women train.
Our team adopted a “Sport for Protection” approach, leveraging the power of sports to engage people and connect them to our services. The center plays a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by forced displacement, allowing women and girls to regain control of their lives in a safe environment. “With this gym, we now have a place to offer not just sports, but wellness programs and health education. It’s a step forward in building a stronger, healthier camp where everyone can thrive,” said Laila, a community leader.
The center has locker rooms for privacy and storage.
Additionally, it serves as an entry point for other services, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), psychological first aid, and referrals based on consent.
The center has already changed the daily lives of women and girls living in the camp. It has become a sanctuary where women and girls can rebuild social networks, access life-saving information, and receive support.
“It’s a chance to push ourselves and break through barriers, both physically and mentally,” said Lara, a camp resident.
