During the month of September 2019, Gender-based Violence (GBV) stories became the most talked-about pandemic in South Africa, impacting almost every aspect of life and leaving women vulnerable. However ,that was all the motivation needed for professional fighter Rayana Ameeroedien to spark a change.
“I’m tired of women being described as victims. It’s time we fought back,” she said. Ameeroedien extended an invitation to women on social media, offering self-defence classes at no cost. Using their fists, elbows, knees, and shins as weapons, as prescribed by the discipline, pupils of all ages gained the courage and expertise to hold their own.
With over 10 years’ experience as a professional fighter, Ameeroedien is now a master of the Thai style of boxing and owns a Muay Thai gym. She has single-handedly trained 300 women and has reached more than 42 000 people on Facebook. “I hope that I have made an impact on women and girls especially,” said Ameeroedien. Violence should be avoided at all costs but having the strength to protect yourself is a move toward curbing GBV.
