In response to a wave of riots targeting Muslims and ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom, martial arts expert Maya Hassan organized a self-defence class for women of color to help them deal with abuse and build confidence. The unrest, sparked by false information linking a suspected killer to a Muslim migrant, has spread fear among ethnic minority communities. Martial arts instructor Stewart McGill has seen an increase in women signing up for classes since the riots began, teaching them tactics to defend themselves against attackers.
The riots have brought attention to the rise of Islamophobia in the UK, with hate directed at Muslims growing in recent years. Tell MAMA UK, a group monitoring anti-Muslim incidents, has received over 500 reports of hate crimes since the riots began. Director Sunder Katwala of British Future believes the UK lacks a strategy for integrating different communities, leading to tensions and fears within society.
While the riots have largely stopped due to anti-racism protests protecting potential targets, concerns remain about the safety of ethnic minority communities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered extra protection for the Muslim community and described rioters as “far-right thugs.” The protests against racism are expected to continue, with groups like the Three Hijabis organizing events to discuss the psychological impact of Islamophobic violence.
Participants in the self-defence classes, like Elza Annan and Maki Omori, feel more confident and prepared to defend themselves in the face of potential confrontations. Hassan, a Swiss national of Somali origin, who moved to the UK for its welcoming attitude towards ethnic minorities, is considering organizing more classes to empower women of color.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
