25th November 2024 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as well as the launch of the UNiTE campaign — an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (on 10th December 2024). This year, UNiTE is drawing attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women under the theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”.
“Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.” – United Nations–
makchic recently attended the StrongHER October event, an initiative focused on empowering women through self-defense workshops by KOA Fitness, an all-women gym, in partnership with AWAM (All-Women’s Action Society). Here are some of the tips we learned to help you to handle the unexpected, keep calm, and fight back, if needed:
1. Be Aware
Situational awareness is your first line of defence. Stay alert, especially in unfamiliar places, and minimise distractions (think: no texting on the go). If something feels off, trust your instincts! Distance yourself, move to a safe place, or ask for help. Even small actions, like keeping one earbud out, can heighten awareness.
2. Stay Connected
Being connected adds a layer of security. Share your location with friends or family when going solo. Take advantage of mobile apps with location tracking and emergency response features, and update your emergency contacts and medical info on your phone.
3. Equip Yourself
These compact, practical tools are easy to carry and can serve as effective deterrents or tools for self-defence:
- Personal Alarms: Small, loud, and easy to activate, these alarms are designed to startle attackers and attract attention.
- Pepper Spray: Non-lethal, portable, and effective. However, take note that a license is required for usage in Malaysia.
- Discreet Self-Defence Key-rings: Functional and easy to carry, these key-rings provide added security without drawing attention.
- Mini Torch Key-rings: Compact yet powerful, these torches are useful for assessing surroundings in dark areas and can temporarily disorient an attacker when shone in their eyes.
- Safety Whistle: A simple but effective tool to make noise and alert others in case of danger.
4. Know the Power Moves
You don’t need superhero training to defend yourself. In emergencies, target sensitive areas—eyes, throat, nose, and groin. Simple strikes like a firm elbow jab or heel stomp work wonders and can buy you valuable time to escape. A few moves to remember:
- Eye Poke: Using fingers to poke the eyes creates an immediate distraction and vulnerability.
- Groin Kick: A swift kick to the groin, especially with force, can incapacitate an attacker.
- Hammer Strike: Form a fist and strike with the base, like using a hammer, aiming at the face or body.
- Heel Palm Strike: Push your palm upward into the attacker’s chin or nose, disorienting them.
- Elbow Strike: Close-range move where you drive your elbow into sensitive areas, like the face or ribs.
- Heel Stomp: Stomp down on the attacker’s foot, particularly the instep, with your heel to cause pain and potentially immobilise.
- Escape Techniques: For grabs like a bear hug, twist your body while pushing your arms outward. For a headlock or wrist grab, twist in the direction of their thumb, freeing yourself with a quick downward jerk.
5. Stay Calm, Stay Clear
Stressful moments call for calm. Take deep breaths, assess your escape routes, and stay near exits whenever possible. If attacked, a loud, firm “No!” or “Stop!” can help alert bystanders and discourage an attacker.
Survival also means confidence; assertive body language helps to signal that you are not an easy target. Conveying confidence in your demeanour (head held high, shoulders back, walking purposefully), instead of vulnerability (head hung low, shoulders hunched, avoiding eye contact), can make a difference in warding off a potential attack.
Self-defence also often requires stamina. Make sure to maintain your fitness levels to properly enhance your strength and endurance in critical moments. Always arm yourself with knowledge – and remember to trust your instincts.
Stay safe, #makchicmumsquad.
By Irni Juliana
