Khalil Senosi / AP) At right, Mary Wanguyi, 77,
practices self-defense moves as part of a new program to protect
elderly women from rape
In a twice-a-week class at a community center in
Nairobi, an elderly Kenyan woman is teaching her peers how to
combat potential rape attacks.
Dr. Jake Sinclair, a founding member of Ujamaa, a
non-governmental organization that helps rape victims and holds the
self-defense classes, said many class members are grandmothers
motivated by the fact that they are raising their children's
children. The classes can provide protection for both generations,
he said.
"Ujamaa believes the empowerment of women and children includes
the right to “Safety of Person.” Ujamaa has teamed up with NO MEANS
NO WORLDWIDE to provide violence prevention classes free of charge
to communities throughout Nairobi. One of the most successful and
determined groups within the community are grandmothers (called sho
shos in Kenya). These women have taken over 10 classes each and are
currently creating their own “granny”-specific class to take to
other sho sho’s around Nairobi. At one time the most resistant of
our clients, sho sho’s are now true believers in their ability to
prevail in assault and believe it’s time to pass it on!"
