In Her Defense

Written by Nika Reyes, Phi '10

by Nika Reyes, Phi '10

Imagine yourself, walking in the parking lot alone at night. You notice a stranger following your steps, moving towards you closer and closer. What would you do? Call for help, cower in fear, engage the stranger in a fight or get your pepper spray?

In Her Defense is an event that hopes to address the vulnerability of women to crimes. As we all know, women are often the victims of rape, robbery, harassment, among many other things. In Her Defense aims to empower women and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary during times in which they have to defend themselves. In the words of Women’s activist Susan Anthony, ‘a woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself’; in the end, you are all you’ve got. Headed by Karla Araneta of Ф 2010, In Her Defense was held last September 12, 2011, Monday, 5:30pm at the Paz Mendoza Building Room 105 – 107, at the UP Manila Grounds.

Guest speaker Police Chief Inspector Anita Luarca Araullo, the chief of Women and Children Protection Section of the Manila Police District, lectured on reported crimes, what we can do about them, how we can prevent them and who to call in case of emergencies. After the short lecture, some sisses and other attendees bravely shared some of their personal stories.

For the next part of the program, Ms. Reylin San Juan, an assistant professor in the Department of Sports Science, College of Human Kinetics in UP Diliman, gave an interesting lecture about self defense and gave an actual demonstration. The room was filled with joy and laughter as the girls partnered with each other and followed the instructions of Ms. Reylin.

At the end of the activity, a couple of pepper sprays were given away to those who attended. Hopefully, on the way home, everyone kept in mind what they've just learned as they walked the dark streets of Manila.