South African Women Fight Back with Gun Training

0:00On this March 7th, here's what's shaping the world. In South Africa, groups of women and girls, some as young as 13, and others up to 65, are hitting shooting ranges to learn handgun, skills. They're firing 9-millimeter pistols under female instructors, practicing real-life self-defense moves like shooting from the ground. This surge comes amidst sky-high rates of violence against women. The crisis is so severe that President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence a national disaster last November. Femicide rates here run five or six times the global average, with about 15 women killed every day by partners or others. Over a third of adult women have faced physical or sexual attacks. Survivors are speaking out and stepping up. A 51-year-old grandmother joined after a brutal home invasion left her tied up and helpless. She says the classes rebuilt her confidence and created a supportive sisterhood. In Johannesburg, others turn to Jiu-Jitsu for escapes from chokes and grabs.

1:01These women's programs are spreading fast across the country. Gun ownership demands strict rules. Folks must be over 21, past proficiency tests, and clear background checks. Mother's even trained alongside daughters, keeping a seeker from skeptical partners sometimes. Experts warn that while self-defense builds awareness, it shouldn't replace fixes for root causes, like weak policing and low-rate convictions. Only. About 8% in recent years, activists push for real funding and shelters, saying policies exist but action lags far behind. This DNN story comes to you thanks to our sponsor. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-L-O.