KUWAIT: In linewith the international campaign '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-BasedViolence', ACICO Group sponsored the 'BE STRONG' initiative; a functional,self-defense training program for women. The initiative was launched by BalsamInternational, represented by Kuwaiti fencing champion, Balsam Al-Ayoub, incooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) regional officeand the US self-defense training program 'Divas in Defense'.
'BE STRONG' waslaunched on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination ofViolence against Women, which is managed by UN Women. This year's advocacytheme was Orange the World with the hashtag #HearMeToo; the theme symbolized abrighter future and a world free of violence against girls and women.
This localinitiative is part of a global development project that aims at ending violenceagainst women by offering free of cost self-defense courses, using sport as atool for change, development and spreading peace; thereby driving truesustainability and advancing gender equality.
On this occasion,Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ACICO Group, Ghosson Al-Khaled, said:"ACICO Group always strives to support and encourage community events suchas these that have a positive impact on the community, particularly initiativesthat focus on women and important international and national issues. Oursponsorship of this particular initiative aims at supporting their goals of providinga platform to empower women, as it focuses on fostering women's innate strengthand empowering girls to face life's challenges and any violence they might comeup against."
Khaled addedthat, as a Kuwaiti born and bred company, ACICO Group has always sought to besocially-conscious, set a positive example and impact real change in order toactively contribute towards building a stronger local community. Accordingly,ACICO Group seeks to best serve its community, by engaging directly with peopleon matters of social importance and creating a safe environment that isconducive to self-expression and social development.
Balsam Al-Ayoublauded ACICO Group for its sponsorship of this initiative as well as itsongoing support of community-based issues. Ayoub further noted that 'BE STRONG'was launched as a vital service to the community to become a part of thesolution to stop violence against women and girls in Kuwait by empowering womenand girls both physically and mentally and raising awareness of domesticviolence.
Ayoub added that,following the remarkable success of last year's 'BE STRONG' self-defenseworkshops, where 647 women and girls from 35 nationalities were trained, thisyear's initiative featured free certificated workshops for women and girls atthe Kuwait Sports Club, schools, universities and at both private and publicvenues as requested.
ACICO Groupremains strongly committed to its positive role within the community. For thisreason, the Group's leading social responsibility program strategically focuseson making a significant social and national impact. ACICO Group works toharness its expertise and resources to support individuals and groups, inaddition to offering its support to many deserving and far-reaching local organizations,initiatives and programs.
