Michiko Unso formed B.R.A.V.E. Women (Bolder Reaction Against Violence To Empower Women) sa tulong ng JCI Makati Princess Urduja Chapter.
Ang una nilang project ay isang self-defense workshop held at the Big Shift Studio in Makati.
“Every member comes out with a project. Magagaling ang mga members namin composed of executives, CEO. Idea ko ‘yung BRAVE, ako ‘yung chairperson. Maganda ang JCI dahil they’re into women empowerment,” say ni Michiko sa amin.
Initially, ang unang pangalan pala ng organization ay Don’t Cry Rape.
“Supposedly, puro rape victims lang (ang concern). Naisip namin na sobrang daming violence against women kaya we formed BRAVE. Grupo kami na nag-isip ng pangalan na hindi ganoon ka-stressful,” esplika niya.
Maraming nag-participate sa self-defense workshop.
“Actually, itong women crowd natin is a mix. We are supported by Makati Women’s Welfare Desk. Marami kaming kinuha from companies, businesses, mga estudyante kasi ang violence naman sa babae ay kahit anong edad ‘yan, eh,” said Michiko who is also the CEO of Think+Talk Creative Communications.
“Ang gusto lang naming ma-achieve dito, eh, aside from the skills… sobrang practical siya na kahit wala kang martial arts background ay carry mo talaga. Pero ang gusto naming i-instill ay ‘yung brave mindset, na we can fight back or you can protect yourself or prevent it (violence). Lalo na ‘yung mga babae dahil we feel that we’re the weaker sex. Hindi totoo ‘yon. We are not the weaker sex. We are equal with men,” esplika niya.
Lex Chika
by Alex Valentine Brosas
