Sport has been a cornerstone of Ibda’a Cultural Center since its establishment in 1994, serving as a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusion, and community resilience in Dheisheh Refugee Camp. Over the years, Ibda’a has gained national recognition through its successful volleyball team, which won numerous championships at the Palestinian level and became a symbol of excellence and perseverance for young people in the camp. Building on this rich sporting legacy, the centre established one of the first women’s basketball teams in the area, creating opportunities for girls and young women to participate in competitive sports, develop leadership skills, and challenge social barriers. Today, Ibda’a continues to invest in sports as a means of promoting physical health, teamwork, discipline, self-confidence, and active citizenship among children and young people.

The Ibda’a Women’s Health & Sports Initiative expands this legacy by focusing specifically on women’s health, well-being, and empowerment through sport and fitness. The programme operates through the centre’s Women’s Fitness Centre, offering regular fitness classes, recreational sports, wellness activities, and awareness sessions on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and mental well-being. In addition to improving physical health, the initiative encourages women to build self-confidence, strengthen social connections, and become active leaders within their communities. By combining sports, health education, psychosocial well-being, and community participation, the initiative creates an inclusive and supportive environment where women of all ages can enhance their quality of life while contributing to a healthier and more resilient community