The first meeting of the Women’s Power project recently took place as part of the partnership between Feminist Workshop and UNBROKEN, transforming into a genuine space for body-based therapy. Psychologist and therapist Halyna Kapshii — who works with Gestalt therapy, EMDR trauma therapy, and dance/movement therapy — selected exercises based on the participants’ emotions and wishes, creating an atmosphere where each movement became a step toward liberation from both internal and external criticism.
This event was more than just a chance to learn new movements — it became an experience of deeper self-discovery. Dance improvisations set to music helped participants reconnect with their bodies and reclaim the right to express themselves without judgment. Each woman could feel her strength through movement, shedding the weight of stereotypes and societal expectations.
“I thought I was going to a dance class — I wanted to learn new moves, awaken my feminine energy. But instead, I got something much deeper — true body-based therapy. I felt ashamed to move, I was stiff and awkward… And in that discomfort came the main realization: I still depend on other people’s opinions. How do I look? What will they think of me?
This experience showed how important it is to return to yourself, to your body, to be in touch with it, and to accept it in all its forms.
Thank you to Women’s Power and UNBROKEN for these meetings — so simple and so profound at the same time. The care and support we receive here are truly restorative,” — says event participant Nadiya.
In addition, attention to one’s own sensations is a key element of self-care, when the focus finally shifts from the needs of others to one’s own well-being.
For many participants, this experience became a reminder of the importance of their own voice — a voice that doesn’t need to conform to someone else’s standards. In dance, we felt both our vulnerability and our strength, and we understood how crucial it is to accept ourselves fully, just as we are.
These gatherings serve as a reminder of the importance of bodily freedom — where women reclaim their right to their own bodies, emotions, and space. These aren’t just movements — they are a manifesto of self-acceptance and a return to oneself.
This project was made possible with the support of the UK Government, provided through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office within the Women. Peace. Security: Acting Together initiative, implemented by the Ukrainian Women’s Fund.
The information presented at the event does not necessarily reflect the views of the UK Government, the Ukrainian Women’s Fund, or the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy.
