Last weekend (29/11–30/11) something truly extraordinary happened in Antwerp. The WenDo workshops – assertiveness and self-defense for women – brought together a group of Polish migrant women who created a space so full of power, support, and trust that they themselves described it as: “The walls are shaking, goosebumps everywhere!” 🔥💪
It was a time of deep work with the body, the voice, and personal boundaries. A time of courage, pause, and confronting what often remains unspoken. A time of rediscovering the strength that – as participants say – we’ve carried within us forever, only sometimes buried under exhaustion, duties, and the roles everyday life imposes.
The voices of the women who were truly there
The workshops moved participants so deeply that many decided to share their stories. Their words express the intensity of this experience better than anything else:
“I went to WenDo without big expectations… I just wanted to do something for myself. And I received so much more.”
“At these workshops something broke open – something no therapy or self-help book ever touched. A dam broke. The armor I’d been wearing for years finally cracked.”
“I came back with a sense of community, support, and understanding.”
“WenDo gave me what no analysis ever could – strength in my body, clarity in my mind, and a community of women who truly see.”
One woman described the experience as her second birth:
“I’m marking November 29th as the day I returned to myself. From now on, I will celebrate it.”
Another added:
“The hardest part wasn’t the exercises. The hardest part was looking myself in the eyes and realizing that I had the tools — I just wasn’t using them where they were most needed.”
And also:
“You’re not invisible. You’re just not awakened yet. WenDo is the moment you open your eyes.”
What is WenDo?
It’s important to emphasize: WenDo is not a combat class. It is a space for learning boundaries, responding, confidence, voice work, and assertiveness.
It is a calm, safe environment where you can:
- feel your own strength without judgement or pressure,
- notice how your body reacts,
- learn to express resistance,
- experience support from other women,
- hear how your voice sounds when you speak from a place of power.
As one participant beautifully put it:
“It’s not magic — it’s the moment you stop the world and look at yourself from a different perspective.”
A space full of energy and professionalism
Women also highlighted the exceptional atmosphere and facilitation:
“I’m glad I spent this weekend with you – strangers abroad, yet we went through the process together so beautifully. The WenDo techniques were shared by Kasia with great skill and professionalism.”
“Fantastic energy. A wealth of knowledge. Every woman should attend such a workshop at least once.”
“The WenDo trainer brought it all together and showed us the strength we already have inside.”
Thank you
We extend immense gratitude to Elles pour Elles – Platform Against Violence for the invitation and for creating this exceptional space. We also thank every participant – for your presence, courage, emotions, and the support you offered one another.
What happens at WenDo stays with us for a long time. It builds not only confidence but also a sense of community that truly carries us.
And finally — words that may become a light for other women
“If any woman thinks: ‘Nothing will change, I’ve tried a thousand times…’ then I’ll say just one thing: Look at me. The first step – even if you fall – is already a change.”
See you at the next workshops
Because WenDo is not just techniques.
It is awakening, strength, goosebumps, and a voice that shakes the walls.
It is a community of women who truly see and hear one another.
