Canadian Muslim Women Take Safety Course amid Rising Islamophobia

Defending against someone trying to rip off their hijabs is just one of the practical tips Muslim women will learn at an upcoming safety workshop in Edmonton, Canada.

Defending against someone trying to rip off their hijabs is just one of the practical tips Muslim women will learn at an upcoming safety workshop in Edmonton, Canada.

Organized by the Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council (AMPAC) for the first time, the workshop aims to give Muslim women the tools to deal with violence, defend themselves and get home safely, said organizer Nakita Valerio.

“The amount of Islamophobic violence we’ve been seeing in the last year compared to other years has been quite significant, and violence against women is always prevalent, so it’s timely and necessary information women need,” said Valerio, VP of external affairs at AMPAC.

A black belt instructor with Strong Orange Violence Protection will lead the workshop, dressed in a hijab and long skirt to reflect real-life situations.

The safety workshop is to be held at the Westmount Fitness Centre on Aug. 25