Training women to defend themselves

PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA, together with the Malaysia Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association, will be teaching martial arts for free to all women in the country.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie said the free series of “karate defence and self-protection” training sessions will be presented online from March 12-20.

“Women and children are often victims of domestic violence or crime due to differences in physique and strength.

“We have to improve our self-defence ability to fight against domestic violence and external intrusions such as robbery.

“I hope you will all participate enthusiastically, ” she said during the opening of Wanita MCA’s 45th annual general meeting yesterday.

Heng said karate was chosen because according to the coach, it suits a woman’s physique.

She also said the most effective and direct method to promote the status of women and defend women’s rights is to begin with national policies and legislative amendments.

“There are many provisions which are archaic and need to be revised.

“In view of this, Wanita MCA has established a law and policy reform committee to work with women’s organisations in Malaysia to discuss all legal provisions and policies to improve the legal rights of women and children, ” she said.