“I Weigh” by Jameela Jamil: Empowering Women

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Actress Jameela Jamil Hosts Self-Defense Course and Community Walk Through NYC to Shine a Light on Women’s Safety

In a world where the threat of violence looms large for women, actress, model, and social rights activist Jameela Jamil is taking a stand to empower women to reclaim their sense of safety and freedom. With statistics showing that 4.8 million women in the United States alone fall victim to physical assault and rape each year, the need for women to feel secure while engaging in outdoor activities has never been more pressing.

Jamil, known for her role in the hit TV series “The Good Place,” recently hosted a groundbreaking event in partnership with Well+Good to address this issue head-on. The event, held on May 20 in Manhattan, brought together women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds for a unique experience aimed at promoting women’s safety and mental well-being.

The event kicked off with a fireside chat and self-defense demonstration led by journalist, author, and former secret service agent Evy Poumpouras. Attendees were taught practical self-defense techniques to protect themselves against potential attackers, empowering them to feel more confident and secure while out in public.

Jamil’s initiative, known as Move For Your Mind, is part of her larger community allyship platform, I Weigh, which seeks to amplify diverse voices and promote empowerment through movement. The event in May was the second installment of the fitness series, designed to disrupt the harmful notion that exercise should be a form of punishment rather than a tool for improving mental and physical well-being.

“We’re trying to extract the punitive culture of exercise,” Jamil explained. “It is so pivotal to our hormonal, physical, and mental well-being and longevity.” By creating a safe space for women to come together and engage in physical activity without fear, Jamil is challenging societal norms that often discourage women from embracing their bodies and their strength.

During the event, Jamil and Poumpouras shared personal stories and insights on the current state of women’s safety, highlighting the need for women to take control of their own protection. The self-defense demonstration included practical tips on how to physically disengage an attacker and escape from dangerous situations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s safety above all else.

As the evening culminated in a three-mile walk through Chelsea at sunset, participants were accompanied by NYPD officers to ensure their safety. The peaceful and empowering experience of walking together as a community underscored Jamil’s belief that education and solidarity can lead to empowerment and change.

“I’m sick of walking through the world feeling like prey,” Jamil declared. “I’m done. I’m tired of it. And if you are tired of it as well, then… Join me.” By creating spaces for women to move freely and without fear, Jamil is paving the way for a future where women can reclaim their power and feel safe in their own bodies.

As the sun set on the Manhattan skyline, the women who participated in Jamil’s event walked side by side, sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of solidarity. It was a powerful reminder that when women come together to support each other, they can overcome any obstacle and create a world where safety, freedom, and empowerment are the norm.