Proposed by: Sened Teklay
Seconded by: Diya Selastin
Why do you want it?
1. Enhancing Personal Safety – Universities are open environments where students may walk alone at night or encounter unfamiliar people. Self-defense training teaches students how to recognize threats and respond effectively.
2. Boosting Confidence and Awareness – Learning self-defense techniques increases students’ self-assurance and situational awareness, reducing their chances of becoming victims of crime.
3. Promoting Campus Security – Universities that prioritize student safety by offering self defense programs create a safer community and demonstrate a commitment to student wellbeing.
4. Encouraging Physical Fitness – Self-defense classes provide an active way for students to stay fit while learning valuable skills.
5. Supporting Mental Health – Knowing how to defend oneself can reduce anxiety and fear, especially for students who feel vulnerable in new or unfamiliar environments.
6. Preventing Gender-Based Violence – Universities often experience cases of harassment or assault. Self-defense training, particularly for women and marginalized groups, can be a proactive measure in preventing such incidents.
7. Building a Sense of Empowerment – Self-defense isn’t just about fighting back; it’s about setting boundaries, asserting oneself, and making informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
8. It aligns with Queen Mary’s values of building a safe community (only campus based RG uni in London)
9. The whole point of self defense isn’t to win, but it’s NOT TO LOSE!
10. There already are programs like the Black Girls Therapeutic Group that is carried out at Qmotion now and then. This self defense element can supplement them.
11. Qmotion has the facilities
What impact will this have?
1. Increased Student Engagement
• Offering self-defense classes would attract a diverse range of students, including those interested in personal safety, fitness, and empowerment.
• It could encourage students who may not usually engage with QMSU activities to participate, broadening the union’s reach.
2. Enhanced Student Safety and Well-being
• Queen Mary is an open-campus university, and students often travel around London at night. Providing self-defense training would help students feel safer and more prepared for real-world situations.
• It would align with the SU’s existing initiatives on mental health and student support by reducing anxiety related to personal safety.
3. Positive Public Image and Advocacy
• The SU could position itself as a leader in student safety, showing proactive support for student well-being beyond academics and social events.
• It could attract media attention and partnerships with external organizations that support personal safety and self-defense initiatives.
4. Empowerment of Female and Vulnerable Students
• Given that universities experience cases of harassment and assault, self-defense training could be a proactive measure to empower students, especially women and marginalized groups.
• It aligns with campaigns such as #MeToo and student-led initiatives for safer university experiences.