Women and girls armed with vital self-defence skills
"As women, the odds are against us. Just walking to the corner shop can be dangerous."
Young women and girls from all areas of Brakpan were taught essential self-defence skills during a programme facilitated by the Brakpan Youth Crime Prevention Desk and local CPF on Saturday.
The rainy conditions did little to deter the more than 30 participants, between the ages of 12 and 30, from taking part in the Fight Like A Girl programme, which was held at the Brakpan Assembly of God Fellowship along Germains Avenue.
The event was due to take place at the Charl Baard Stadium, but due to adverse weather conditions, the church gratefully opened its doors at short notice.
The local youth desk sought the assistance of Brave to Love, an NPO that specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating victims of human and sex trafficking.
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The organisation runs the Fight Like A Girl programme where they teach self-defence techniques. While based in Gauteng, the organisation offers its services country-wide.
Founder Emma van der Walt told the Herald they started the programme around three years ago and have noted the need in Ekurhuleni is ‘quite big’. The organisation has been running for eight years and initially helped women working in the sex trade.
“A lot of other needs arose, such as rape, assault and human trafficking,” she said.
“This is one of the projects in which we help girls and raise awareness about human trafficking. We teach them anti-rape skills and give them their voice to speak out. It is important for girls to defend themselves.”
Brakpan Youth Crime Prevention Desk public relations officer Mpho Sindane explained they wanted to arm women and girls with the necessary skills to fight gender-based violence, which is rampant in the country.
“As women, the odds are against us. Just walking to the corner shop can be dangerous, ” she said.
We are seen as defenceless and wanted to help give women and girls skills they can use to save their lives.”
She added the event would not have been successful without assistance from the local CPF and the various sponsorships and donations they received from businesses and individuals, including the Department of Social Development which sponsored the refreshments on the day.
“It is also exciting to be holding events again and getting back into the community. The pandemic has affected everything. We have less than 10 active members and require new members,” she said.
Covid-19 protocols were observed on the day and first responders from Brakpan-based voluntary emergency services providers Ultimate were on hand in case of a medical emergency.
Also present were members from the local CPF, Department of Community Safety and Brakpan SAPS. Brakpan police spokesperson Capt Pearl van Staad urged those in attendance to report gender-based violence, bullying and sexual assault.
To find out more about the Brakpan Youth Crime Prevention Desk and how to join, visit their social media platforms: BrakpanYouthCrimePrevention on Facebook and @_youth_desk on Instagram.
