Taking Control: 6 Reasons Why Concealed Carry Is a Smart Choice for Women

I often wonder if the rate of crime is truly more than it was 30 to 40 years ago, or if we are just more aware of it now due to social media and the internet. As a mom my biggest fear is someone causing harm to my child. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Person’s report there are 26.7 million victims trapped in human trafficking at any given time. These victims come from various countries, nationalities, and backgrounds. The majority of victims are females and 25% of them are children. These statistics alone should be enough to pique your interest in ‘Why Concealed Carry is a Smart Choice for Women’.

I got my CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) in South Carolina in 2013. I had been contemplating taking the class but was nervous about the range qualification; therefore, I kept putting it off. When the story broke of Ariel Castro keeping those girls imprisoned in his basement for 20 years, I knew exactly what I needed to do. This kidnapping story terrified me. As a single mom at the time, I knew it was solely my responsibility to prevent such a nightmare for myself and my daughter. I quickly began researching everything I could about women in the concealed carry world.

Why Do I Conceal Carry?

Protect Loved Ones

Like I mentioned before, I am a mom, I have a beautiful 18-year-old daughter. (I could probably just end this paragraph with that one sentence).

I often play out scenarios in my mind of what I would do ‘if’. Most of the time those scenarios are situations that I fear, including defending myself, or my daughter. I want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. I hope my imagined scenarios never become real-life, but I am comforted by knowing I have the means to protect myself and my loved ones if they do.

Greater Effectiveness

There are other options to defend yourself besides a firearm. Those options include pocketknives, pepper spray, stun guns, and whistles. The problem is, each of these options allows for short lived responses or requires someone to be around to help. When in an active situation that could determine life or death, you should rely on something that will stop your threat quickly and effectively.

Firearms are an equalizer, allowing women to defend themselves against potential attackers who are typically physically stronger. With firearms training, you can learn how to react consistently and quickly. An educated and prepared woman with a gun is self-reliant and has equalized ‘playing field’ with her threat.

Increased Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is the perception and understanding of your environment and what’s in it. It involves being mindful of what is happening around you, understanding how those events my impact you, and being able to anticipate potential changes and developments.

As a conceal carrier, it is your responsibility to obtain situational awareness at all times when carrying a firearm. Part of your training is knowing how and when to use a firearm. When you are aware of and understand your surroundings, you are able to make better decisions and react quickly.

More Confidence

Most women who conceal carry would agree it increases personal empowerment. Women are more self-reliant and empowered, knowing that they have the means to protect themselves if necessary. There is a sense of relief and peacefulness that comes with knowing you are capable of defending yourself. Let’s just say it adds an extra pep in your step and is certainly a confidence booster.

Increased Security

Carrying concealed allows women protect themselves in situations where they feel threatened or unsafe. This can be particularly important for women who have concerns about personal safety. Those concerns can be anything from being a domestic violence victim, being in a high crime area, or having a vulnerable profession that makes you a likely target. As a concealed carry permit holder, it crucial to have the mindset of being prepared if trouble comes your way, and not to go seek it out.

More Options Than Ever Before

The options are endless. There are purses, belly bands, holsters, shapeware and even bras that are designed to help women carry concealed. There is no one right option, it all depends on your outfit, your comfort level and your body type. Be sure to subscribe to our e-mail list to see our latest and greatest reviews on conceal carry gear.

Women who choose to conceal carry should go through training to ensure they can handle firearms safely and responsibly. This includes understanding the laws of your home state, as well as the legal and ethical aspects of self-defense. If you are not sure where to begin with your concealed carry journey, start by research your stated laws to learn what is required in your stated for your CWP. Ready to start learning more? Check out My Favorite Shooting Resources for Women.

Happy Carrying!