Women’s empowerment group hosts free self- defence classes for women who are ‘worried about going out’ especially at night.

April Mehmet, a resident of Chadwell Heath, started the project Walk It Out with the goal of empowering women and young girls in Redbridge and the surrounding areas.
The classes will take place at the Tesco Community Space in Goodmayes on February 25 and March 18 from 11am to 12.30pm.

The main goal of walk out is to empower women by educating them to be assertive, aware of their surroundings, and to use self-defence when necessary.They are taught what to do physically and how to stand to avoid being a victim if guys approach them from the front, from the back, or if they feel threatened in any manner.

49% of women and one in five men (19%) felt unsafe walking alone at night in a busy public place, such as a high street or railway station, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It is believed that the classes will help you overcome your fear, gain confidence, self-belief, and learn the skills needed to better protect yourself.

April Mehmet launched a women’s boxing class in 2021, April said: “I myself have just learnt a simple move and I would never have known that if I didn’t go to self-defence classes so I really recommend going and the feedback that has come back has been very positive.”

“If men approach them from the front, from behind or if they feel threatened in any way, [they are taught] what to do physically and how to stand and prevent them from being a victim.

She continued :”It’s very beneficial. Self-defence should be in the school curriculum. Everybody should know a little bit of self-defence.”

The classes will be led by Schools of Kung Fu Essex, and participants must be 16 years old or older.

Each class may accommodate up to 20 individuals, and you can reserve your spot by calling Walk It Out at 07437517177 or emailing contactwalkitout@gmail.com.