On December 2, 2023, at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the training “Self-defense for empowerment” was held as part of the international campaign “16 days against gender-based violence”.

The event was implemented within the framework of SDG 5 “Gender Equality” and SDG 10 “Reducing Inequality”, SDG “Health and Well-Being” in collaboration with the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, the Department of General and Applied Psychology of KazNU with the Just Suppot Foundation and ESD.

The EMPOWERMENT SELF DEFENSE (ESD) methodology is a system built on an understanding of the history, psychology, patterns and underlying causes of violence; and on increasing awareness and confidence in inner personal power.

ESD Global is a leading training organization that develops its methodology around the world and trains community members and leaders in gender-based violence prevention and response.

Training objectives:

• show the wide range of opportunities and tools that each of us has at our disposal and that help us overcome difficulties;
• raise awareness of training participants about ways to identify and prevent violence;
• teach the practice of immediately responding to risk situations, including border violations, harassment, attacks and any type of violence.

During the training, students and undergraduates were told: “What is personal security? How to protect your personal boundaries? How to say “no!” verbal and physical violence; How to protect yourself using verbal techniques and physical techniques in cases of unwanted aggression (practicing physical techniques); Debunking myths about violence and the identity of the aggressor; introduction to the 5 principles of ESD; How to learn to recognize danger and be able to respond to “red flags”; How to use conflict de-escalation techniques; How to be able to listen and provide psychological support to victims of violence.”

The training was attended by students and undergraduates of the educational program “Psychology”, “Clinical Psychology”, “Personal and Organizational Psychology”, deputy head of the department Z.M. Sadvakasova, associate professor E.K. Kalymbetova.

The training was conducted by EDS representatives Anastasia Lyakh, Lyailya Islamova, Moldir Alban; contributed to Just Suppot Aliya Zhumagalieva.

Students learned in practice the principles and techniques of self-defense, how to support and help a person in a situation of violence.

Thanks to the @esdkz_ca community