The online session is available for women to download at their leisure and features the West Yorkshire star demonstrating different boxing techniques and basic defence moves
An online boxing tutorial, featuring West Yorkshire star demonstrating various boxing techniques and basic defence moves, is now available for women to download at their convenience. The five-minute lesson, designed to fit into busy schedules, includes moves the star might use in a big fight as well as confidence-boosting techniques.
This initiative comes in response to a Bodyform survey of 2,000 women which found that 53% have felt vulnerable and insecure at times, while 46 per cent have felt unsafe. These feelings were triggered when walking down the street at night (61 per cent), on public transport (40%) and even during daytime outdoor walks (35%).
Interestingly, more than half (53%) have already turned to sport or exercise as a means to boost their self-esteem, both physically and mentally. Furthermore, 27% stated that being physically stronger makes them feel safer, more confident and empowered as women.
Nicola Adams, OBE, who is collaborating with the feminine protection brand to empower women, said: “Bodyform’s Superiority campaign is important, and comes at a time where we are aware as a nation that women have a right to feel strong and protected, but more work needs to be done.”
“The class we’ve created together aims to provide women+ with tools to help them feel more protected, empowered and to increase their sense of self-worth. I’ve always set out to challenge norms and to encourage women to believe in themselves, and this is just another way together we can help to break barriers.”
According to research conducted through OnePoll.com, a shocking 73% of women don’t believe they should feel threatened by anyone in any situation, regardless of their gender. The study reveals that the instances where women have reported feeling strong and safe, were typically when they were at work (45%), out with friends (27%), and exercising at the gym (16%).
To boost their confidence, 42% of women eat healthily and 38% seek comfort in familiar environments such as their hometown. Around 28% prefer spending time outdoors, while 27% put emphasis on physical strength, and 21% rely heavily on consistent exercise.
A whopping 67% of women who engage in sports or exercise to enhance their mental or physical health confess it elevates their self-esteem. Many even admit to appreciating the sense of focus (44%) or purpose (36%) it provides them. However, several barriers continue to hinder women from expressing their voices and feeling secure. These include dominating personalities (41%), body image pressures (38%), and the prevalence of male decision-makers (24%).
Women express the need for enhanced strength and empowerment while walking on the street (39%), in medical situations (32%), and in their workplace (31%). While others feel the need for security and comfort in places such as pubs (24%), nightclubs (20%) or simply jogging in public (15%).
A representative for Bodyform voiced: “Partnering with Nicola felt completely right, as everything she stands for as a woman aligns with what we are about strength, both physically and mentally, equality and inclusion. We’re not just about words, we’re about solutions, and Nicola allows us to do that by creating a self-defence class accessible for everyone and which champions female empowerment.”
“Women often face situations where their comfort and protection and security is threatened, and we want challenge and change that.”
TOP 15 THINGS THAT MAKE WOMEN FEEL MORE EMPOWERED:
- Eating healthily.
- Being in a familiar place like hometown.
- Having knowledge on discussion topics.
- Spending extended time outdoors.
- Being physically strong.
- Men understanding women’s issues.
- Challenging oneself.
- Being surrounded by family.
- Company over solitude.
- Among friends when out and about.
- Women in vital roles in the workplace.
- Adequate exercise.
- Mindfulness and meditation.
- Women-specific safe houses.
- Phone call companionship while alone outside.
