International Women’s Day was on 8 March. HM Revenue & Customs celebrated this with a series of events around the Department.
One of the events took place on 5 March in Belfast and was aimed at both men and women, featuring talks from inspirational people from HMRC – and other external organisations – as well as discussion groups and workshops.
Ruth Owen, from HMRC’s Executive Committee said: “These events celebrate successful women in the workplace as well as highlighting the challenges women have faced and overcome.”
As part of the event Chung Do Kwan NI were proud to be invited to present a number of Personal Safety demonstrations on the day. These were short sessions aimed at giving some advice and few tips for self-defence, rather than giving instruction in Martial Arts!
We were also pleased to receive positive feedback, some of which is included below.

Maurice Girvan and David Jones presenting to HMRC staff.

•  “The demonstration itself was professional and very well-received”
•  “I loved the personal safety demonstrations by Chung Do Kwan, got some top tips which I’ll hopefully not have to use!”
•  “Not sure I can put into practice biting off an attacker’s ear, but needs must I suppose!”
•  “I found the self-defence demonstration very helpful and interesting! Thank you!”

Maurice attacking Davy, just before regretting it!