ZACATLÁN, Puebla – In a concerted effort to foster safe environments and promote the wellbeing of women, the government of Puebla, led by Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier, has launched a series of initiatives, including a recent Karate Do workshop held in Zacatlán. The program underscores a commitment to empowering women through self-defense skills and bolstering access to vital support services.
The workshop, part of the state’s broader agenda for March in recognition of International Women’s Day (8M), was spearheaded by Yadira Lira Navarro, the Secretary of Women for the state of Puebla. Lira Navarro emphasized that creating secure and respectful environments is fundamental to allowing all individuals to thrive with freedom, confidence, and dignity. The initiative builds on a growing recognition of the importance of proactive measures to address gender-based violence and promote women’s empowerment.
“The administration maintains a permanent commitment to guaranteeing the right of women in Puebla to live without violence,” Lira Navarro stated, according to a government release. She also highlighted the availability of comprehensive support through the Centros LIBRE – Casas Carmen Serdán, which provide free legal guidance, psychological care, and overall assistance to those in demand. These centers represent a crucial component of the state’s strategy to provide a safety net for women facing challenging circumstances.
The “Libres en Movimiento” (Free in Motion) workshop focused on teaching participants basic self-defense techniques and instilling a sense of discipline. The program, supported by the Secretariat of Sports and Youth through the “Karate Do por Amor a Puebla” (Karate Do for the Love of Puebla) program, was led by master Hermelindo Tobón. The goal is to equip women with practical tools for self-protection and personal wellbeing, extending beyond physical skills to cultivate confidence and autonomy.
The event in Zacatlán also saw participation from Beatriz Sánchez Galindo, the municipal president of Zacatlán, who lauded the collaborative effort between different levels of government. This coordination, she noted, is essential for implementing public policies focused on equality and building communities free from violence. The workshop was held in parallel with a National Self-Defense Class, further expanding the reach of these initiatives. Organizations like Club Alvernia, Casa de Salud de Cholula, and Judo Xicotepec also contributed to the broader effort, demonstrating a widespread commitment to women’s safety.
María Fernanda Hernández Ramírez, a participant in the workshop, shared her positive experience, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in promoting self-care and personal security. She noted that the techniques learned during the session provide valuable tools for building confidence and preparedness in daily life. This firsthand account underscores the tangible benefits of the program for those directly involved.
Yadira Lira Navarro’s commitment to women’s wellbeing extends beyond this workshop. According to her Wikipedia page, Lira Navarro is a former athlete and coach specializing in karate, a two-time Karate World Champion (2004 and 2010), and a silver medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games. She was also awarded the National Sports Award in 2011. Prior to her role as Secretary of Women, she served as a local deputy in Puebla (2018-2019) and as Director of the Puebla Institute of Sports and Youth (2019-2024). Her background as a successful athlete and public servant positions her uniquely to advocate for the empowerment of women in Puebla.
The government’s broader strategy, aligned with Governor Armenta Mier’s vision, aims to promote equal opportunities and wellbeing for all citizens. This includes not only initiatives like the Karate Do workshop but also ongoing efforts to strengthen legal protections, provide support services, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. The focus on preventative measures, such as self-defense training, reflects a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of violence against women.
Looking ahead, the Puebla government plans to continue expanding these initiatives to other municipalities throughout the state. The next scheduled event is a follow-up self-defense workshop in Tehuacán on March 15th, with details to be announced on the Secretariat of Women’s official Facebook page (Yadira Lira Navarro – Facebook). This ongoing commitment to women’s wellbeing signals a sustained effort to create a safer and more equitable society for all residents of Puebla.
Archysport will continue to follow developments in this story and provide updates as they become available.
