Jameela Jamil Brings Move For Your Mind Event to US to Address Women’s Safety and Empowerment
Scrolling through TikTok for just half an hour, you may come across a trending question: “Would you rather be alone in a forest with a man, or a bear?” This seemingly lighthearted trend has sparked a serious debate about women’s safety, with many sharing personal stories of feeling targeted and harassed in public spaces simply because of their gender.
This fear of safety is not unfounded, as surveys reveal that one in two women feel unsafe walking alone after dark in public places, compared to one in five men. In response to this alarming statistic, actress, model, and social-rights activist Jameela Jamil is bringing her fitness event series, Move For Your Mind, from the UK to the US to address this issue head-on.
Jamil’s platform, I Weigh, known for its inclusive community allyship, has partnered with Well+Good to shed light on the current state of women’s safety and how the fear of violence can impact physical and mental well-being. The goal of Move For Your Mind is to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to defend themselves against potential attackers, allowing them to reclaim their ability to exercise in public spaces without fear.
The event is set to kick off on May 20 in New York City with a fireside chat featuring Jamil and Evy Poumpouras, a journalist, author, and former secret service agent. Attendees will also witness a self-defense demonstration before embarking on a three-mile community walk through the city to make a statement that women should feel safe walking alone in public.
Jamil launched Move For Your Mind as a way to foster community through exercise classes and help individuals unlearn toxic relationships with fitness, particularly in relation to weight loss and body image. This event series aims to bring people together and encourage intentional movement beyond the constraints of diet culture.
The upcoming event in New York City will focus on the often-overlooked benefit of community exercise: safety. Jamil believes that women should be able to walk in public without fear and hopes that events like Move For Your Mind will empower women to take back their power and feel confident in their ability to defend themselves.
Self-defense training plays a crucial role in this empowerment. Jamil, who underwent martial arts training for her role in Marvel Studio’s She-Hulk, emphasizes the confidence and sense of security that comes from knowing how to protect oneself. By incorporating self-defense demonstrations into the event, Jamil aims to equip women with the skills they need to feel empowered and safe while exercising outdoors.
Reflecting on the success of I Weigh’s London event, Jamil notes the overwhelming positive response from participants who felt welcomed and empowered through community exercise. The upcoming Move For Your Mind event in New York City promises to continue this trend of empowerment and inclusivity, providing women with the tools they need to feel safe and confident in public spaces.
If you’re interested in joining the Move For Your Mind event on May 20, tickets are available for purchase at Racket NYC. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a movement that empowers women and promotes safety in public spaces.