Olympic boxing gold medallist Nicola Adams has produced self-defence lessons for women

An online session is available for women to download at their leisure and features the West Yorkshire star demonstrating different boxing techniques and basic defence moves. The lesson is five minutes long to allow for busy schedules – and includes moves the star might use ahead of a big fight in the ring as well as confidence techniques.

It comes as research of 2,000 women by Bodyform found 53% have felt vulnerable and insecure at times, while 46% have felt unsafe. These feelings have been provoked when walking down the street at night (61%), on public transport (40%) and even walking outside in the daytime (35%).

Although more than half (53%) have already turned to sport or exercise as a way of improving how they feel about themselves, be that physically or mentally. And 27% said being physically stronger helps them to feel safer, more confident and empowered as a woman.

Nicola Adams, OBE, who is working with the feminine protection brand to empower women, said: “Bodyform’s Superiority campaign is important, and comes at a time where we are aware as a nation that women have a right to feel strong and protected, but more work needs to be done.

“The class we’ve created together aims to provide  women+ with tools to help them feel more protected, empowered and to increase their sense of self-worth.  I’ve always set out to challenge norms and to encourage women to believe in themselves, and this is just another way together we can help to break barriers.”

The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, found 73% of women don’t believe they should feel threatened by anyone in any situation, due to their gender. Although those who have felt strong and safe in recent months admit this was when they were at work (45%), out with a group of friends (27%) and at the gym (16%).

To help themselves to feel more confident, 42% of women try to eat well and 38 per cent stick to being in familiar places such as their hometown. Just under three in 10 (28%) will spent time outside, 27% focus their efforts on being physically strong and 21% do lots of exercise.

Of those who have turned to sport or exercise to improve their physical or mental health, 67% admit it helps them to feel good about themselves and many like the sense of focus (44%) or purpose (36%).

But there are a number of barriers still preventing women from being heard, and feeling protected – such as louder, more confident characters (41%), body images pressures (38%) and decision makers being predominantly male (24%).

Women would like to feel stronger and empowered when walking down the street (39 per cent), in medical settings (32%) and at work (31%). While others want to be secure and comfortable in the pub (24%), in nightclubs (20%)and when running in public (15%).

A spokesperson for Bodyform  said: “Partnering with Nicola felt completely right, as everything she stands for as a woman aligns with what we are about – strength, both physically and mentally, equality and inclusion. We’re not just about words, we’re about solutions, and Nicola allows us to do that by creating a self-defence class accessible for everyone and which champions female empowerment.

“Women often face situations where their comfort and protection and security is threatened, and we want challenge and change that.”