Women put ‘pow’ in empowerment
Joseph hopes through continued support, self-defense workshops of this nature could become a regular event.
Dressed in leggings and sensible shoes, 74 women eagerly took their seats in the hall at Tom Newby School, to learn valuable self-defence skills.
In celebration of Women’s Month, Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph joined forces with the Benoni CPF, Benoni SAPS and Elite Defence Academy to host a free awareness workshop aimed at empowering women, on August 17.
Welcoming the vibrant group of women, Joseph said that life is demanding and women often sacrifice personal time and growth to tend to their families and careers.
“It is important to take time to realign ourselves with our goals,” she said.
“We need to make time to access our external environments, know what potential threats lurk outside our comfort zones and have the know-how to identify danger.”
Listening intently, Lorraine Kirsten nodded in agreement saying women and girls need to equip themselves with the necessary survival skills.
“I jumped at the opportunity to attend this event and hope that this is the first of more.”
Taking the stage, Sergeant Salmina Mosoane, of the Benoni SAPS social crime prevention unit said that self-defence starts with knowledge.
“The number of women and children living in abusive households is a stark reality,” said Mosoane.
“Ladies, we urge you to familiarise yourselves with the various forms of abuse in order to identify the warning signs early.
“It is only through speaking out and reporting these matters that we can safeguard ourselves with dignity.”
Sunine Strydom of the Benoni CPF took the opportunity to encourage women to take up an active role in curbing crime by becoming members of the organisation.
“The work we do through patrols and community involvement projects is not only empowering but is it creating a safer environment all residents,” she said donning her customary CPF reflective vest.
After quickly creating space for movement, the ladies broke off into groups of two, paying careful attention to Damien Coetzee’s self-defence demonstration.
“When faced with a male aggressor, it may be difficult for a woman to meet him on the same level of strength but that does not mean that you cannot defend yourself,” he said.
“Self-defence is not about over powering your assailant nor is it about landing the prefect blow to neutralise the threat, it is about creating an opportunity to escape harm.”
Armed with these new skills, attendees left the event with vigour and confidence.
ALSO READ: Missing persons campaign helps empower residents
ALSO READ: CPF TIP: Do not let strangers in your house
