In a world where essential skills of swimming are often taken for granted, Muslim Women Australia has developed a new Women’s Only Learn to Swim program directly targeting vulnerable women to develop their confidence and sense of empowerment. This program allows women who have faced numerous struggles and hardship and are now developing their own path to healing, to learn essential swimming skills in a safe and supported environment.
Many of the participants have simply never had the opportunity to learn how to swim. They have faced many challenges throughout their lives and have had to overcome domestic violence, homelessness, financial difficulties, social isolation, racism and discrimination. These challenges and their past traumas have prevented them from accessing services where they feel comfortable and have not learnt how to swim. The MWA Learn to Swim initiative provides women with a space to overcome their fears and develop their confidence, both in the water, and outside of it.
“This was the first time I was able to do something for myself during my own time”
Over the course of the school term, participants have gathered once a week at the MWA Lakemba office to travel together to a local swimming pool. This program is led by a certified swimming instructor and each session is designed to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of the participants. Each swimming lesson had a goal that each client was working towards. The first 2 weeks focused on water familiarisation and learning to kick using floatation aids.
“I really enjoyed going out and being part of the group”.
Each woman had different goals they were working towards each lesson, they progressed throughout the weeks by learning to kick without floatation ads and using their arms to move through the water. Throughout the program participants work to develop their confidence in the water by learning essential skills from water familiarisation and learning different stroke and safety drills.
Throughout the weeks, the participants have experienced significant improvements in their swimming abilities and confidence in the water. Many have overcome their fear of water and have learnt new skills, gaining a sense of accomplishment. They have learnt the skills of floating, streamlining, arm and leg movements as well as the basics of diving.
“I liked that I learnt how to kick my legs and how to do the correct movements in the water”.
Each week we have been able to see each woman become more comfortable and eager to try the activities. Beyond the physical benefits of the program, it also provides a space for connecting and empowerment, allowing participants to learn from each other and build new connections.
These swimming lessons for women, that have been developed specifically for women who have escaped domestic and family violence, have significantly contributed to their healing journey through connecting with and gaining confidence in the water.
“I love swimming, my first swimming lesson was after I came to Australia and it was a birthday present from my parents. I haven’t had any swimming lessons since then and I really enjoyed this program”.
