Empowering women through judo: Slovenia's model for social inclusion and resilience

Judo as a Path to Strength and Recovery

Judo is often seen as a sport of strength, skill, and discipline. But for women in Slovenia, it has become a source of emotional and mental empowerment. Through the program at JCG, adult women, including survivors of abuse and those in vulnerable situations, find a safe space to rebuild their confidence and reclaim their self-worth. Far more than just self-defence, judo helps these women reconnect with their inner strength.

Ana, a mother of two and one of the program participants, reflects on her journey: “Before I started judo, I was lost. The abusive relationship I endured left me doubting my abilities and self-worth. I lived in fear, constantly feeling inadequate. However, I have regained my confidence through judo and learned to value myself. Winning a gold medal at the National Veteran Championships was incredible, but my real victory has been overcoming my inner struggles.”

For Eva, a single mother of six, judo offered a path out of pain and fear. “Judo has given me my life back,” she says. “I came from a place of pain and fear, but today, I'm confident and filled with positive energy. It has not only helped me personally but has brought my family closer. We now lead a healthier, more active life, and I'm proud to share this journey with my children.” Both Ana and Eva have also enrolled their children in judo and remain active in the club, mentoring judo kids and other women through the "Judo for Women" program.

Building a Supportive and Empowering Community

At the heart of Judo Club Golovec's philosophy is the creation of a safe, supportive environment. Women arrive here to find more than training; they discover a space of healing, camaraderie, and mutual growth. The club’s director, Nusa Lampe, a 6th DAN judo master and member of the International Judo Federation’s Education & Coaching Commission, emphasizes this holistic approach. “Judo is more than just learning and applying combat techniques,” she explains. “It is a beautiful system of physical, intellectual, and moral education. Judo provides practitioners with ethical principles and a way of life. At Judo Club Golovec, we prioritize professionalism and staff education, and I'm pleased that with our modern approaches, we’re able to share this knowledge with the local community.”

The inclusive and fun-focused methodology of the program builds confidence, fosters connections, and forges lasting friendships. “Courage, respect, and personal growth are core to judo,” adds Spela Lampe Cakici, the club's president and program coordinator. “But we also emphasize enjoyment and engagement. For women like Ana and Eva, the club is not just a place to learn judo; it’s a place to rebuild their lives, find purpose, and ultimately, thrive.”

Beyond the Dojo: Judo as a Catalyst for Social Inclusion

The impact of JCG’s program extends beyond the participants themselves. Programs like "Judo for Women" are instrumental in promoting social inclusion, and empowering women to re-enter society with confidence. Participants learn resilience, not only through judo but also through shared support from coaches and peers. By practising judo, these women are not only learning a new skill but reclaiming their agency and their voice.

Through the partnership between Judo Club Golovec and advocacy organizations, the initiative aligns closely with global goals, particularly those set out by the United Nations for gender equality, well-being, and social inclusion. JCG’s commitment to these goals is clear: every woman who steps onto the mat is given tools to grow and thrive. By integrating women into a supportive community, the program actively contributes to sustainable development goals such as gender equality and the reduction of inequalities.

A Model for Change and a Call for Expansion

The work being done at Judo Club Golovec demonstrates how sports can be a powerful force for personal and societal change. By offering marginalized women the opportunity to heal, connect, and grow, the club provides a model that could easily be adapted to other countries and sports. “We are ready to assist others in building similar programs,” says Špela. “This initiative is more than just about judo; it’s about reshaping lives and empowering communities.”

Looking to the future, the club continues to overcome challenges to make this program accessible. They offer free training for vulnerable women, flexible training schedules, outreach support, and resources to encourage women to participate. “Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where women can build resilience, confidence, and self-defence skills,” Špela explains. “It’s about reclaiming their sense of strength and community.” 

Continuing the Journey

With support from dedicated leaders and coaches, women in Slovenia are proving that judo is far more than a sport. It is a pathway to empowerment, healing, and lifelong growth. As more women take up the discipline, they find the strength not only to overcome their barriers but to become mentors and role models for others. As Ana, Eva, and others have shown, judo at JCG is paving the way forward, building stronger, more resilient communities, one woman at a time.

Judo Club Golovec, under the leadership of Ms. Nuša Lampe and Ms. Špela Lampe Cakići, is committed to creating a community built on resilience, empowerment, and mutual support. In recent years, the club has invested heavily in social impact initiatives, including inclusive programs that reach children, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Through its Sport-for-Development mission, JCG shows how the practice of judo can contribute to community well-being, making a positive social impact that uplifts individuals and strengthens the entire society.

In the words of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo: “By educating one person and sending him into the society of his generation, we make a contribution extending a hundred generations to come.”