IRE researcher Kristina Stankova participates in a Muay Thai program for migrant women in Barcelona

This initiative is part of her research on the experiences of refugee women in physical activity programs.

Kristina Stankova, a PhD student in Sport Sciences at IRE-UAB, has participated in a workshop organized by SOMA Association in Barcelona. This entity promotes a free Muay Thai program aimed at migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women, conceived as a safe space for physical practice, meeting, and community support.

Within the framework of this program, Stankova contributed to one of the workshops by presenting various free opportunities available in the city, such as language learning, resources for access to employment, and university scholarships, including scholarships for refugees at UAB.

This collaboration is part of her doctoral thesis, titled "Experiences of Forced Immigrant Women with Physical Activity and Community-Based Initiatives in Barcelona," supervised by Dr. Francesc Buscà Donet. Her research analyzes how physical activity initiatives relate to wellbeing, as well as the factors that influence these programs to be meaningful and sustainable for the participating women. It also examines the benefits, difficulties, and barriers that may arise during participation.

The study is based on the idea that physical activity can foster social participation, the creation of bonds, and mental health. Through field work with entities such as SOMA Association, the researcher seeks to identify what characteristics make these programs inclusive and effective for improving quality of life.