The aim of the project is to offer women a simple but effective measure of self-protection in the form of a self-defence whistle made from empty bullet cases. These are personally crafted into beautiful pendent necklaces and worn as a piece of protective jewellery. The concept behind the empty bullets is to utilise an item that has negative connotations, (violence and death) and transforming it into a project of empowerment and freedom.

Victims of domestic violence and rape are not always armed with self-defence training, so my objective is to equip them with a physical item that can pack a punch in a dangerous situation by startling the perpetrator and attracting attention.

The project was due to launch in Sri Lanka august this year however due to the sensitive political situation there currently, I have been advised not to distribute them as this could potentially place the project and people working with these communities in jeopardy.

The theme for this years project in Sri Lanka is 'Female empowerment'. Although the whistles cannot be distributed physically this time around, I will be sharing Capoeira movement techniques which concentrate of self defence. I will also be assisting and running creative art workshops.

Future prospects:
With enough funds raised, I plan to run female empowerment projects which will consist of:
Counselling, Self-defence classes, Educational programmes geared towards the art therapies.

Following Sri Lanka
I intend to take this project to remote areas of The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular Eastern provinces where women continue to be vulnerable targets of violence.

Your help, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated.

Blessings

indaart