Kate Henshaw Advocates for Women’s Safety and Self-Defense Training
Kate Henshaw
Renowned Nigerian actress, Kate Henshaw, has urged women to prioritize their safety by taking self-defense classes to protect themselves from domestic violence and gender-based attacks.
The Need for Self-Defense Training
In a recent interview, Henshaw emphasized the importance of self-defense for women, who are often the primary victims of domestic violence. She stated, “We all just have to be careful, and to the women who are mostly the victims, I would say, we have to be careful and take self-defense classes if possible so they can protect themselves.”
Her call comes amid increasing cases of gender-based violence in Nigeria, highlighting the need for women to be equipped with basic self-defense skills.
Advocating for Stronger Government Action
Henshaw also commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive steps in tackling sexual and domestic violence. She praised the recent launch of a digital app that allows victims to report cases anonymously. She urged other states to adopt similar measures to create a safer environment for women and all vulnerable groups.
She said, “I would want other states to take on the template that Lagos State has set with regards to sexual violence. They just launched an app where you can report incidences incognito through a digital platform, which is very good. I enjoin other states to follow that template and even do better to make sure that they protect women, and of course, the men too.
Women must prioritize their safety. Learning self-defense can be a life-saving skill in the face of rising violence.” – Kate Henshaw
Exercise and Mental Health
Beyond advocating for self-defense, Henshaw, who is popularly known as the “fitness queen,” spoke about the benefits of exercise on mental health. She highlighted how regular exercise has improved her overall well-being, making her more energetic and mentally aware.
She said, “Exercise makes me energetic. It makes me more aware of who I am. It gives me peace and joy. It has really helped my mental health, which is extremely important.”
Kate Henshaw’s advocacy reinforces the urgent need for Nigerian women to prioritize their safety through self-defense training while urging the government to take stronger action against gender-based violence. NGOs and other stakeholders must continue to push for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable individuals, ensuring a safer society for all.
