A question came my way from a young woman who asked what she should be aware of when walking alone or going to the bathroom alone. It’s a simple question, but one that carries weight in a country like South Africa, where crime is a daily concern. As someone who teaches self-defense, my first priority is always awareness—because the best way to survive an attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The Power of Awareness
Attackers rely on the element of surprise. They don’t want a fight; they want an easy target. That’s why walking with confidence, making eye contact, and staying aware of your surroundings are some of the simplest and most effective deterrents. If someone is sitting in a parked car near your route, take note. If someone is loitering outside a bathroom, be cautious. Criminals don’t like attention, so the more alert you appear, the less likely they are to choose you.
Your gut instinct is your greatest weapon. If something feels off, trust it. Your subconscious picks up on things faster than you can logically process. If you get a bad feeling, don’t ignore it—act on it. Change your route, find a safe place, or call for help.
Situational Risks: Public Spaces and Bathrooms
Public restrooms are one of the places where women are often most vulnerable. If you need to go alone, be extra cautious:
- Avoid restrooms in deserted areas, especially those located outside a main building.
- Before entering, glance around to see if anyone is waiting nearby or acting suspiciously.
- Once inside, check for exits or alternate escape routes.
- If you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately and find a safer option.
Being Followed: How to React
Criminals, including human traffickers, often begin stalking their targets in public places—shopping malls, universities, or parking lots. If you feel like someone is following you:
- Before getting into your car, check the vehicles next to yours. Is there someone inside? Are they watching you?
- If you suspect you’re being followed while driving, don’t go home. Instead, drive around the block a few times to confirm. If they’re still behind you, head to a well-lit public place or a police station.
- Call the police station before arriving so they can meet you outside.
The statistics in South Africa are sobering. Gender-based violence is rampant, and kidnapping cases—especially for human trafficking—are increasing. Criminals work in teams, often using women or children to lure their victims into a false sense of security.
Tools for Self-Defense
Image Credit: https://www.nothingbutknives.com/best-horizontal-carry-knives/
I firmly believe in equipping women with self-defense skills and tools. A small fixed-blade knife is one of the best self-defense weapons because it’s easy to conceal and quick to deploy. Women have an advantage when carrying a knife—we have multiple natural concealment options that don’t raise suspicion.
Of course, having a weapon isn’t enough—you need to know how and when to use it. That’s something we teach in our self-defense courses: not just carrying a tool, but understanding the mindset required to use it effectively under stress.
Why Self-Defense Training is Essential
No woman wants to think about being attacked, but we have to face reality: the crime rates in South Africa demand that we take responsibility for our own safety. Hope is not a strategy.
The truth is, you might not be able to stop someone from targeting you—but you can control how prepared you are if it happens. Learning to defend yourself is not just about fighting back; it’s about developing the confidence, awareness, and skills to avoid an attack in the first place.
If something horrible does happen, wouldn’t you rather know how to fight for your life than be completely defenseless?
This is why self-defense training isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. If you haven’t already, find an instructor who teaches the Kalah Combat System, it teaches real and practical combat skills and make it a priority. Because when it comes down to it, your safety is in your hands.