More Lebanese women attend self-defense classes to protect themselves from violence. Self-defense instructor Yasmine Abu Jweed teaches women self-defense techniques with the support of UN Women. “We become stronger,” say women attending self-defense classes.

CAROLINE BAZZI

Beirut– While the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the whole world, many countries are suffering from an economic crisis caused by the pandemic. Lebanon is one of these countries. The people of Lebanon have hard times due to the economic crisis while the violence against women is increasing in the country. More Lebanese women attend self-defense classes to protect themselves from violence. “I saw how women were subjected to violence so I opened a course to teach women how they can protect themselves,” said Yasmine Abu Jweed, a self-defense instructor.

She is supported by UN Women

Yasmine Abu Jweed is supported by UN Women to organize self-defense courses for women in many parts of Lebanon to protect themselves from sexual and physical assaults. She also teaches women how to keep themselves mentally healthy and how to discover their talents and skills.

Great interest from women in self-defense courses

Lebanese women have strengthened themselves both physically and mentally by going to gyms and they look for good courses. Yasmine Abu Jweed reports that her course provides both self-defense and fitness classes for women. “There is a great interest from women in self-defense courses on social media platforms,” Yasmine Abu Jweed said that even 13-year-old girls attend the self-defense classes.

Women first need mental therapy

Yasmine Abu Jweed gave information about her work: “Recently, we have seen more women being subjected to sexual assaults or physical violence. These women found out that they could not respond or defend themselves against this injustice. For this reason, girls and women of all ages, even older women, should do sports in order to defend themselves. Before teaching physical techniques, I teach women how they can deal with psychological problems. If a woman believes in herself, she can reach her goal no matter if she is 60 or 70. For this, we should first protect our mental health before physical health. First of all, women should learn how to love themselves.”

“Women become stronger”

50-year-old Kewthar Beydouna is one of the students of Yasmine Abu Jweed. “Women need to protect themselves and to improve their strengths. This course has increased my faith and I can protect myself now,” she told us.

“Self-defense courses increase our self-confidence,” said 44-year-old Fairouz Jaber, who has attended the self-defense class for the second time.

Rayan Sorur is just 11 years old and she is one of the girls attending the self-defense courses. “I attend this course to learn how to protect myself.”

41-year-old Faten Salha pointed out that the self-defense courses empower women.