Since 2015, CityLab010 has supported plans for Rotterdam. Through CityLab, the Municipality of Rotterdam finances plans from entrepreneurs that make the city greener, more social, and safer. How are the CityLab initiatives from back then doing? Former participant Luz Adriana Jaramillo tells.
Empowering women in Rotterdam against violence. That was Jaramillos goal. So she submitted in 2022 her project Woman & Powerful. Link opens an external page to CityLab010 (hereafter: CityLab). Through CityLab . Link opens an external page the municipality provides money and support to entrepreneurs who have a good idea for Rotterdam and want to implement it. Jaramillo received such a CityLab grant and shares about her project.
Domestic Violence
‘I have always been into kickboxing. Yet, I also experienced domestic violence. Even though I was physically resilient, I could fight. That made me realize: outside the ring, on the street, but unfortunately also at home, self-defense is different from fighting. That inspired me to start Woman & Powerful.’
Like First Aid
‘Violence against women unfortunately occurs everywhere. It is not the responsibility of women to combat that violence. But I want to make women aware of their possibilities. I see my resilience training as first aid: it’s good to know the knowledge and skills, but hopefully, the women never have to apply them.’
Scary Guy
‘In my training sessions, I prepare women step by step for a physical confrontation with a “Scary Guy”. He’s not that scary; he’s a trainer, but it’s about simulating a threatening situation and experiencing the associated stress. Leading up to that confrontation, I teach the women how they can protect their safety first with words and their demeanor. If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to deliver the pain: a solid hit or kick to a sensitive spot.’
Stress Level Up
‘In the last lesson, that Scary Guy comes in. He greets no one. That activates a dangerous situation. If that Scary Guy finally harasses a woman, she may defend herself. Yes, sometimes there are hits. Fortunately, this Scary Guy is trained to take it, haha!’
Springboard
‘CityLab worked for me as a springboard. When I started, I focused on Hoogvliet. Now I have a larger reach and give my training sessions in Kralingen. Link opens an external page. To women aged 12 to fifty. I see those women coming closer together during the training sessions, which is beautiful to see.’
New Work
‘My participation in CityLab has also earned me new work. I am now involved in the municipalitys approach to sexual street harassment. Link opens an external page. There I help not only victims who have reported via the STOP app. Link opens an external page. I also go to schools, provide workshops, and awareness sessions about inappropriate behavior to reach young people.’
Lady Next Door
‘I think it helps for my training that I don’t look like the stereotypical fighter. I look like the lady next door. What does that say? Every woman who sees me can identify with me and knows: if she could learn it, I can too!’
More Information
If you want to know more about CityLab010, visit the website. Link opens an external page.
If you want to stay updated, you can also sign up for the CityLab010 newsletter. Link opens an external page. In May, it will be announced which projects and entrepreneurs will receive CityLab010 subsidies.