Free self-defence workshop for women in Fuengirola ahead of 25N

Fuengirola's ayuntamiento (town hall) is offering a free self-defence workshop for women to mark 25N, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which falls every 25 November. It takes place on two Saturdays this month, and women can choose the date that suits them.

Key facts

• Dates: Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 November, from 10:00 to 14:00.
• Venue: Edificio Colores, Fuengirola.
• Cost: free of charge.
• Registration: by email to igualdad@fuengirola.org.
• Information: the Área de Igualdad (equality department) on 952 463 525.

What the workshop covers

According to the town hall, the workshop is organised by its Área de Igualdad and led by instructor Maestro Francis. It aims to give participants practical tools for self-protection, risk prevention and greater personal confidence and security.

The sessions will use Jansu Do, a martial art created by Maestro Francis, as a teaching and preventive tool. The town hall said topics include identifying risky situations, recognising possible threats, setting personal boundaries and responding to controlling, intimidating or violent behaviour.

Participants will learn simple techniques to identify and avoid an attack, move away from danger and adopt a protective stance. The programme also covers managing fear and stress, decision-making and reacting to possible threats.

Open to all ages and fitness levels

The town hall said women of any age and physical condition can take part, and no previous self-defence experience is needed. It stressed that the aim is not to learn to respond violently, but to gain knowledge and skills to prevent risk and act defensively when necessary.

Cristina Bornao, the councillor for Families, Equality and Social Welfare, presented the initiative with the instructor. She said the aim is "sobre todo, cómo afrontar una respuesta ante un posible caso de agresión" (above all, how to respond to a possible assault), and described the workshop as "muy práctico y divertido" (very practical and fun).

Maestro Francis said the idea is for participants to learn certain self-defence techniques, how to avoid dangerous situations, how to identify potential aggressors and some guidelines for escaping a risky situation.

A long-running course

Maestro Francis also said Fuengirola was a pioneer in including self-defence workshops for women through its equality department, and that this workshop was first held in 2001. The town hall said the initiative is meant to strengthen women's self-esteem, self-control and autonomy.

How to sign up

Women who want to attend should email igualdad@fuengirola.org and say which of the two dates they prefer. Further details are available from the Área de Igualdad on 952 463 525.