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The Bonobo Principle

No one has the right to harm my sister. Everybody’s my sister.

Self-Worth Defending Classes

Like the bonobos, we all have selves worth defending. 

Together, we can use our power to defend our sisters.

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Our approach

Image by Elmira Gokoryan

1 / Acknowledge

We begin by acknowledging the collective impact of living in a patriarchy, which has eroded the self-esteem of women and girls.

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2 / Embark

From this recognition, we embark on a journey of reclaiming our sense of worth and learning that our selves are worth defending.

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3 / Defend

Through self-defense—awareness, vocalization, and physical force—we not only protect ourselves but also empower each other.

Take a Class

At Harvard Law School, in partnership with the Title IX Office and IMPACT Boston, we have successfully hosted self-defense classes for two consecutive years. Each class is introduced by a lecture and discussion led by Diane Rosenfeld, centered on the principles and mission of the Bonobo Sisterhood.

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We aim to partner with local self-defense providers, integrating the Bonobo Sisterhood as a supportive framework to emphasize and cultivate self-worth-defending classes.

Bring a Class to
Your Community

Engage with the Sisterhood

Use the Self-Worth

Defending Hub

Knowing that you have a self worth defending is the first step. Learning self-defense can be transformative!

Build Your

Bonobo Sisterhood

Connect with women in your community through online group chats, forum platforms, and in-person gatherings. Together, create a supportive network to uplift and empower one another.

Form Female Alliances Through Book Clubs

Connect with fellow bonobos, share The Bonobo Sisterhood: Revolution Through Female Alliance's  empowering message, and foster strong, transformative female alliances.

Testimonials

Alice C, Self-Worth Defending Class Participant, 2024

“ Thank you all so much for putting together such a fabulous program! It was eye-opening to hear about the concept of the Bonobo Sisterhood and how bonobos eliminated male sexual coercion by looking out for and helping each other.

The Impact instructors were absolutely amazing. It was also inspiring to see fellow participants gaining confidence and cheering for each other during the workshop. I walked out of the workshop yesterday feeling more self-assured and empowered that I would know how to defend myself in the future.”
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