Previous Projects by Empowered Women UK
Box Strong with Zahra Butt
Funded by Sport England
Box Strong was an inclusive boxing fitness programme led by Zahra Butt, a trailblazing coach who became the first hijab-wearing woman to achieve a Level 1 boxing coach qualification. This ground breaking programme created a safe, women-only space for group boxing exercise, welcoming women from all backgrounds and abilities.
Programme Overview
Zahra created a wonderful environment where women could engage with boxing-based fitness in a supportive, non-pressured setting. The sessions focused on movement, mental health benefits, and building confidence rather than competitive goals or performance targets.
The programme was designed to be truly inclusive, with Zahra also providing accessible chair-based sessions to ensure women with different mobility needs could participate fully in the boxing fitness experience.
Creating Safe Spaces
As a women-only space, Box Strong was able to include a diverse group of women who might not otherwise access traditional boxing or fitness environments. The inclusive approach meant women from different cultural backgrounds, fitness levels, and physical abilities could come together to exercise and support each other.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Impact
The sessions provided much more than physical fitness - they became a vital source of mental health support and social connection. Participants found the sessions helped them get moving, leave the house, and reconnect with exercise in a positive, sustainable way.
The non-pressured environment allowed women to focus on their own wellbeing journey without comparison or external expectations.
Programme Legacy
Box Strong demonstrated the importance of creating inclusive, accessible fitness opportunities led by coaches who understand diverse community needs. Zahra's pioneering work as the first hijab-wearing Level 1 boxing coach opened doors for representation and inclusion in sports coaching, whilst the programme showed how boxing fitness can be adapted to support mental health and wellbeing for all women.
These sessions were made possible with thanks to Sport England
It was so nice to be able to find an exercise class that I am able to do, I am able to attend...there was no element of pressure or goals that I needed to hit...it was just about getting moving and out of the house...I was able to exercise again which was so good for my mental health.
LDray
Ballimamuso with Fatoumata Keita
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Empowered Women UK were delighted to support Fatoumata Keita (Fatou) to deliver cultural exchange sessions sharing West African food and culture across Nottinghamshire. This 12-month project brought together people from different communities through the universal language of food, reaching hundreds of participants.
Programme Overview
Working with a range of partner organisations, Fatou led hands-on sessions where participants engaged in food preparation and tasting, exploring traditional West African recipes and cooking techniques. The sessions created opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to come together, cook together, and discover shared culinary traditions.
Cultural Connection and Discovery
The project revealed beautiful connections between different cultural food traditions, with many participants discovering similarities between West African recipes and their own heritage cooking. Through shared preparation and tasting, attendees experienced how food can bridge cultural divides and highlight our common humanity.
Each participant received recipe cards and a bag of Fonio grain, enabling them to continue exploring West African cuisine at home and share their learning with family and friends.
Community Impact
Over the 12-month project, hundreds of people from different Nottinghamshire communities participated in the sessions. The programme demonstrated the power of cultural exchange through food, creating connections and understanding between diverse community groups.
The sessions provided opportunities for meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and the breaking down of cultural barriers through the simple act of cooking and eating together.
Project Legacy
Ballimamuso demonstrated how food and cultural exchange can create profound connections between diverse communities. The project's success in reaching hundreds of participants across Nottinghamshire showed the appetite for meaningful cultural connection and the power of shared experiences to build understanding and unity.
As part of the project's lasting legacy, an ebook of recipes was created, capturing the traditional West African dishes explored during the sessions. This resource is available on our website, ensuring the cultural knowledge and culinary traditions shared by Fatou continue to benefit communities long after the project's completion.
Made possible with thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund
I was expecting completely different food and have been amazed it's food I know, just with a different name. I've been brought up seeing my Mum cook similar food and seeing Fatou cooking each week reminded me of my childhood and seeing my Mum cooking. We imagine we a segregated because we use different words and names for ingredients, we're told that we are segregated and we just assume that we are, but really we are eating the same food and it's beautiful because we are all one and this food and experience has shown me that we are all united.
Jitan
Art Wellbeing Sessions with Marija Marcinkute
Funded by Gedling Borough Council
Our Art Wellbeing Sessions brought together local creativity and community support through a partnership with Marija Marcinkute, a talented local artist in Nottinghamshire. This funding enabled us to offer art-based wellbeing sessions for the first time, creating new opportunities for women's mental health and community connection.
Programme Overview
The sessions took place in Netherfield, where groups of women gathered to explore abstract art-making as a form of mindfulness and self-expression. Led by Marija Marcinkute, participants discovered the therapeutic benefits of creative expression whilst developing new artistic skills in a supportive group environment.
Community Impact
Beyond the personal wellbeing benefits for participants, the programme created lasting value for the wider community. The abstract artworks created during the sessions were professionally framed and displayed as a gallery exhibition at St Georges Community Centre in Netherfield.
The community gallery showcased the incredible creativity that emerged from the sessions, celebrating both the artistic achievements and the wellbeing journey of the participants. The exhibition was well-attended by local community members, demonstrating the broader impact of arts-based wellbeing initiatives.
Paintings from the exhibition that women didn't want to keep were donated to St Georges Community Centre to sell to the community, with donations going directly to support the community centre's ongoing work.
Personal Transformation
The sessions provided more than artistic instruction - they became a catalyst for personal growth and confidence building. Participants discovered new creative abilities whilst experiencing the mindfulness and mental health benefits that come from engaging with art-making.
Programme Legacy
The Art Wellbeing Sessions demonstrated the powerful connection between creativity, community, and healing. The programme not only supported individual wellbeing but created beautiful community assets that continue to inspire and uplift visitors to St Georges Community Centre.
Proudly supported by Gedling Borough Council
"I loved the abstract art sessions so much, it has given me the confidence and inspiration to paint a picture for our local children's hospital in remembrance of my late mum who worked there. The joy of art and sharing it to make others feel better is just a gift. Thank you."
Write and Connect with Dr Sally Olewe-Richards
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
Our Write and Connect sessions provided monthly therapeutic writing opportunities in a small, supportive group setting. These sessions created a safe space for women to connect with themselves and others, using the power of writing as a tool for self-expression, healing, and personal growth.
Programme Overview
Meeting monthly in an intimate group environment, women gathered to explore their thoughts and feelings through guided writing exercises. The sessions were designed to be therapeutic rather than academic, focusing on personal expression and emotional wellbeing rather than writing technique.
Creating Safe Spaces
Each session provided a confidential, non-judgmental environment where women could:
*Express themselves freely through writing
*Connect with their inner thoughts and feelings
*Share experiences with other women in a supportive setting
*Develop new ways of processing emotions and experiences
*Build meaningful connections with others on similar journeys
Programme Impact
The Write and Connect sessions became a valued community resource, offering women regular opportunities for self-reflection and mutual support. Participants found new ways to understand themselves whilst building lasting connections with others.
The therapeutic nature of the writing process, combined with the supportive group dynamic, created powerful opportunities for personal growth and healing.
Session Legacy
The success of Write and Connect sessions highlighted the importance of creating accessible, regular spaces for women's wellbeing and self-expression. The impact of these monthly gatherings continues to influence our approach to community support and has informed the development of our ongoing projects.
Proudly supported by The National Lottery Community Fund
"Thank you for the chance to open up to myself and learn different ways to express my feelings. I leave these sessions feeling empowered, relaxed and safe."
Queen of Your Realm with Dr Sally Olewe-Richards
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
Our 8-week Women's Empowerment Course invited women to explore five powerful feminine archetypes: Queen, Lover, Warrioress, Sorceress, and Mother. This transformative programme helped participants connect more deeply with different aspects of themselves, recognising that changing our energy helps us change our lives.
The Five Archetypes
Queen - Embracing leadership, self-worth, and personal sovereignty
Lover - Connecting with passion, creativity, and joy
Warrioress - Finding strength, courage, and determination
Sorceress - Accessing intuition, wisdom, and inner knowing
Mother - Nurturing self and others with compassion and care
Programme Impact
The course created a supportive community where women formed lasting friendships whilst experiencing profound personal growth. Participants discovered new strengths, made significant life changes, and developed tools for ongoing empowerment.
Through guided exploration of each archetype, women learned to access different energies within themselves, creating positive shifts in their daily lives, relationships, and personal goals.
Course Legacy
This programme demonstrated the power of women supporting women in a safe, empowering environment. The friendships formed and personal transformations achieved continue to inspire our ongoing work in women's empowerment and community building.
Proudly supported by The National Lottery Community Fund
"The course has been fantastic! Learning to tap into my inner Queen led to me making a big change within my life and taking time for me to realise what is needed. The course has had a big impact and I have made friends for life. It's been a life changing experience."
Unity for Ukrainian Women
Our project 'Unity for Ukrainian Women' funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, was a great success! Facilitated by our lovely project lead, Kateryna Biliaieva, a Ukrainian woman living in the UK, we were pleased to be able to offer support sessions for Ukrainian women needing to switch over to the e-visa system and apply for their Ukrainian Permission Extension. We were partnering with the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Nottingham, Nottingham Women's Centre and St. George's Community Centre in Netherfield who kindly provided space for the sessions to run.
The first sessions have seen women from their thirties to seventies attend and we are pleased to be able to offer this additional support to people at a challenging time.
Наш проект «Єдність для українських жінок», фінансований Радою графства Ноттінгемшир, мав великий успіх! Під керівництвом нашої чудової керівниці проекту Катерини Бiляєвої, українки, яка живе у Великій Британії, ми раді були мати можливість провести сесії підтримки для українських жінок, яким потрібно було перейти на систему електронних віз та подати заявку на продовження дозволу в Україні. Ми співпрацювали з Українським культурним центром у Ноттінгемі, Центром для жінок Ноттінгему та Спільнотним центром Святого Георгія в Неттерфілді, які люб’язно надали простір для проведення сесій.
На перших сесіях були присутні жінки віком від тридцяти до сімдесяти років, і ми раді могли запропонувати цю додаткову підтримку людям у складний час.
Impact report
In 2025, our Unity for Ukrainian Women Project delivered 139 support sessions across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire — helping over 100 women navigate visa applications, access healthcare, register for English classes, and rebuild their confidence in a new country. From older women in their 70s to newly arrived families with no English, we provided the kind of personalised, culturally sensitive support that makes a real difference. Our participants rated us 9.998 out of 10.
Women said that it feels "Overwhelming and emotionally draining" navigating UK systems without support. Our project changed that by supporting them to feel "More confident, safer and socially supported, less stressed, better informed, and more in control of their lives."
У 2025 році наш проект «Єдність для українських жінок» провів 139 сесій підтримки в Ноттінгемі та графстві Ноттінгемшир, допомагаючи більш ніж 100 жінкам з оформленням віз, доступом до медичної допомоги, реєстрацією на курси англійської мови та відновленням впевненості в новій країні. Від старших жінок у 70 років до новоприбулих сімей без знання англійської мови, ми надавали персоналізовану, культурно чутливу підтримку, яка справді має значення. Наші учасниці оцінили нас на 9,998 з 10.
Жінки казали, що почуваються «пригніченими та емоційно виснаженими», коли доводиться розбиратися в системах Великої Британії без підтримки. Наш проект змінив це, допомагаючи їм відчувати себе «більш впевненими, в безпеці та соціально підтриманими, менше стресовими, краще поінформованими та більш контролювати своє життя».
Empowered Women UK TM c 2025
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