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South African Women Pursue Firearm and Jiujitsu Training Amid Gender Violence Crisis

Women and girls participating in training attended a session at Out There Sport Shooting Range on Jan. 24, 2026, with ages ranging from 13 to 65, to learn self-defense skills.
High femicide and violence statistics frame why trainings surged, with President Cyril Ramaphosa's national disaster declaration last November and U.N. Women reporting femicide rates five to six times the global average.
Courses include practical drills and live-fire practice under female instructors Claire van der Westhuizen and Stephanie Graham, with some attendees keeping classes secret and organizers noting they 'look like normal women' rather than 'G.I. Jane'.
A survivor said she sought training after a violent home invasion, with Sunette du Toit joining 'a family of support' while South African firearms regulations require being over 21 and passing tests.
Amnesty International says many cases were dropped and advocates report around 15 women killed each day, while Sonke Gender Justice warns women resorting to guns and martial arts can create risks.

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Facing staggering gender-based violence, SA women turn to self-defence

In South Africa, femicide rates are thought to be five times higher than the global average. With many women victims of violence, some are now taking their security into their own hands through martial arts and self-defence classes.

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