The Embassy of Israel in South Africa is sharing joint cooperation with Fight Back SA, a non-profit organization focused on the empowerment of young women and children by providing free self-defense classes to individuals living in high risk and crime-ridden areas.
In honor of International Day of Eliminating Violence against Women and the start of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence this month, The Embassy donated towards the establishment of a Safe Center for Women and Children in Lavender Hill with Fight Back SA which provided a secure and permanent space for Fight Back SA self-defense classes. Ambassador Lior Keinan said, "The Embassy is committed to continue and empower women across SA, first for their own safety, and to increase their participation at all decision-making levels, national and international alike. We are happy our donation will create a positive impact in the lives of so many women and children in South Africa."
The Embassy’s donation allowed the existence of over 25 workshops, providing thousands of women across the Western Cape (UCT University, Lavender Hill, Cape Flats, Drakenstein District, Blue Downs, Smitsville, Blackheath, Bishop Lavis, and more) with vital tools to defend themselves, disarm and immobilize an attacker. The type of training provided is based on the principles of the Israeli combat self-defense style of KravMaga.
Founding Director of Fight Back SA, Nicole Mirkin said, "Over the last 2 months, Fight Back SA has been able to reach more women than ever before, due to the help and funding we have received from the Embassy of Israel in South Africa. The Embassy's generous donation towards the safe center will ensure the best care of victims of GBV, and will serve as a safe space in which Fight Back SA can operate, to deliver permanent free self-defense classes to women living in the Cape Flats."
This project is a continuation of various women empowerment projects provided by the Embassy such as our sanitary towel initiative that has reach most provinces across South Africa. The Embassy values the importance of promoting gender-based projects and youth empowerment projects to communities across South Africa.