Power for Women: Empowering Women through Self-Defense and Community

Meet Saeed, the passionate founder of Power for Women, a social enterprise dedicated to teaching self-defense skills to women of all ages and backgrounds. With a unique approach that blends practical techniques, empowerment, and community collaboration, Saeed's organization aims to instill confidence and safety in women while addressing societal inequalities.

The Mission Behind Power for Women

Saeed’s drive stems from personal experiences and a deep commitment to making self-defense accessible to women who have historically lacked such opportunities. "Our goal is to help as many women as possible," Saeed explains. Power for Women offers workshops tailored to teenage girls, adult women, and diverse groups, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The programme’s methodology stands out. As Saeed shares, "we’ve had people with years of martial arts experience tell us they’ve never learned techniques like ours." From ground techniques to handling unexpected confrontations, the training emphasizes practical, life-saving skills delivered in a supportive setting.

Reaching Communities Across Borders

Since its inception, Power for Women has made a significant impact. "We’ve worked with youth clubs, universities like the University of Sheffield, and even government organisations," Saeed says. Classes vary in size, ranging from small groups to large-scale seminars. Saeed envisions expanding this model further by partnering with like-minded organisations and hosting nationwide events.

Their outreach spans diverse demographics, from university students and youth clubs to vocational colleges and community groups. Each group brings its own challenges and opportunities, but the universal appeal of safety and empowerment ensures the programme's success.

Overcoming Challenges to Make a Difference

The journey has not been without hurdles. "Our biggest challenge was gaining traction and navigating the structural aspects of running a social enterprise," Saeed recalls. Early on, deciding whether to structure the organization as a charity, CIC, or limited company posed significant challenges. Additionally, connecting with potential collaborators and breaking through bureaucratic barriers required perseverance.

Saeed credits the Sheffield Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) programme for playing a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles. "SEGA provided mentorship, guidance on structuring our organisation, and opportunities to network with local and national partners."

The SEGA Impact

Through SEGA, Saeed connected with mentors and business consultants who helped shape Power for Women into a well-structured enterprise. A diagnostic session with SEGA’s Social Enterprise Advisor Mike proved to be a turning point. "It helped us map out our goals, structure, and operational framework," Saeed explains.

The organisation also benefited from partnerships facilitated by SEGA, including a collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce that led to successful events in Sheffield and beyond. "We’ve grown nationally, with projects in York, Leeds, Bradford, and now even exploring opportunities in London," Saeed says.

A Multifaceted Journey

Saeed's own background is as diverse as the communities he serves. From growing up in Rotherham and facing the challenges of racism in the 1980s to studying sports science and working with the Metropolitan Police, Saeed’s life experiences have shaped the mission of Power for Women. His journey also includes time with the BBC and entrepreneurial ventures, including running salsa classes—a skill he leveraged to build connections and develop leadership capabilities.

Transformative Change

For Saeed, the success of Power for Women is personal. "Growing up, my sisters had no access to self-defense opportunities. Now, we’re making it possible for women everywhere to feel safe and empowered."

Thanks to SEGA’s support and a dedicated team, Power for Women is breaking barriers and building a safer, more confident community for women.

You can find more information on Power for Women here.