Juba, 13 March 2017 - To mark International Women's Day, the Japanese peacekeepers held a self-defense class for women at the University of Juba in South Sudan.

Dr. Angelina Mattijo-Bazugba, Director of National Transformational Leadership Institute, University of Juba, and Professor Pauline Elaine Riak, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Juba, approached the Outreach unit of UNMISS with the idea to hold a women's self-defense class, on grounds that women are increasingly coming under threat because of the unending conflict.

The Japanese peacekeepers gave women tips on how to stay alert and then demonstrated some self-defense moves to ward off potential attackers. The women were taught how to protect themselves without using any weapon.

Ms. Ruth Kibiti, UNMISS Gender affairs officer, outlined the main components of violent incidents; attacker motive, location, additional person present, relationship with the attacker, the mindset. She explained that an understanding of these components was critical to defending oneself in times of trouble.

Ms.  Kibiti also explained that Women empowerment and engagement is a central reference point in several UN Security Council resolutions along with responsibilities and obligations for the States.

“When laws and policies limit women’s freedoms or deem women as complementary instead of equal to men, these trickles down to public perception of women and girls and their roles in society, and undermine their safety and security within the state”, said Ms. Kibiti.

The women were enthusiastic to advance their skills in self-defense as part of the empowerment process.  

To find out more information regarding the Women self-defence class as it happened follow the link https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia/albums/72157678908752242