MUTARE The Shauline Tang So Temple, a martial arts group here has launched a self defence course for women to defend themselves from political and sexual violence. (Pictured: Self defence course to teach women to defend themselves from political and sexual violence
Chairman of the group Peter Matika told The Zimbabwean on Thursday that the course was mainly targeted at women.
Women are an easy target when it comes to assaults and violence because it is perceived they are physically weak and cannot defend themselves. We found out that in the last elections, women were harassed by perpetrators of violence. So we decided to teach them to prove to criminals and other perpetrators of violence that not all women are an easy prey, he said.
Rape is a crime against humanity. Political violence has seen many women injured and some dying, hence, through education and training we can make the world a better place for all women and girls through this campaign, he said.
He said he intended to make it a national programme.
The course included teaches exercise as well as verbal, physical and psychological skills and strategies on how to prevent, resist and avoid dangerous situations like rape and all forms of sexual abuse against women. Such an exercise is vital for women because it is an empowering programme that gives women the ability to make the right decisions when faced with critical situations. The programme is also important because it gives rape prevention skills and this increases self-esteem and danger awareness. So it is important that all women should participate in this program, he said.
Matika is a member of the International Alliance of Martial Arts Schools, Blackbelt International and is a renowned karate trainer at National Level in Zimbabwe.
Post published in: News