Reacting to the tragic death of journalist Jemimah Mambara Mogwo, this Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Élysée Monnde Azidamas Remèdes Foundation (FEMAR) highlights the growing vulnerability of women in a context of generalized insecurity.
FEMAR calls for urgent action to protect women and children, particularly through self-defense education from an early age. “This would allow everyone, and especially girls, to better react to physical, sexual and psychological attacks.“, indicates the Foundation.
She recommends:
– Self-defense as a protection tool : FEMAR calls for integrating the teaching of self-defense techniques into school programs in order to help young people prevent and react to attacks. Self-defense includes physical, verbal and psychological skills. It is also essential to educate boys and men about respecting the personal space of others.
– Specific training for women : FEMAR recommends training intended to help women secure their daily environment (streets, transport, professional environment). This training must include practical exercises and advice on behavior to adopt in the event of aggression.
– Strengthening legislation and access to justice : The Foundation insists on the need to improve access to justice for victims of attacks, by strengthening existing legal mechanisms and guaranteeing rapid handling of complaints. FEMAR calls for an intensification of awareness campaigns on women’s rights and available legal remedies.
– Psychological and community support : In addition to physical training, it is important to set up psychological support spaces for victims of attacks, in order to support them in the healing process. The Foundation proposes the creation of listening centers and helplines.
– Solidarity and collective vigilance : FEMAR encourages the establishment of support networks between citizens and the use of safety applications allowing rapid reporting of dangers. It calls for solidarity between women and men, encouraging them to support each other and report any assault in a secure manner.
The FEMAR Foundation advocates for concerted action between authorities, civil society and local communities in order to strengthen women’s security. Self-defense and legal tools must be at the heart of the fight for a safer and more equal society, she concludes.
Nancy Clémence Tshimueneka
Belgium
