Founded by Rachel Dayoub, a passionate advocate for personal safety, Whispering Force is built on the belief that, while women may often be quiet about their fears, they can transform into a powerful force when equipped with the right skills and knowledge. The program emphasizes not only physical defense but also mental preparedness, building a holistic approach to personal safety.
From Fear to Force
Rachel Dayoub’s journey to founding Whispering Force is deeply personal and shaped by her own experiences. As a single mother to two children, she once found herself in a terrifying situation while shopping, when she realized she was being followed by two men. Initially attempting to calm her fears by dismissing the threat, she tried to rationalize their suspicious behavior. “Isn’t it awful,” she says, “that the first thing many of us do when we’re in danger is to convince ourselves we’re not? I want to teach women to follow their instincts and not dismiss their feelings.” The two men eventually followed Dayoub to her car and she narrowly escaped.
This harrowing incident became a pivotal moment that fueled her determination to create a safe space where women and children could learn to protect themselves. After sharing her experience in a local Facebook group and offering to attend a self-defense class with others, Dayoub received an outpouring of support and interest from other women. “Over 300 responses later, I realized that there was a huge need in this area,” Dayoub remarks. “Instead of wanting to go to a class with me, all these women wanted me to start a class of my own.” They were recommending instructors, offering locations, even reaching out to cover her story on the local news. It was in this moment that Whispering Force was born.
The name, however, came a bit later—in the middle of the night, in fact—when Dayoub was struck with inspiration. “The name Whispering Force just came to me suddenly. I was thinking about how every single woman has a story, but we’re often so quiet to share it. We hear each others’ stories in whispers. But we’re a force to be reckoned with when we have the right tools and education and training.”
Building Confidence and Community
Dayoub’s commitment to empowering others is driven by her desire to make participants feel valued, confident, and prepared to navigate their daily lives with a sense of security. She believes that self-defense is an essential skill, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or feel vulnerable. Whether preparing young women to feel safe as they head off to college or helping adults gain confidence in their day-to-day lives, Whispering Force offers a supportive environment where safety and personal growth are paramount. Through her leadership, Dayoub has created a community dedicated to building resilience and fostering a sense of empowerment among all participants.
Whispering Force operates on the philosophy that self-defense goes beyond physical strength; it’s about awareness, mindset, and having the confidence to act decisively in threatening situations. The program is specifically tailored for women and children over the age of six, offering a variety of training sessions and team-building activities. Focusing most of their efforts into group classes, Dayoub says it’s also a great way to bring teams together.
Whether it’s a professional organization (like a group of Realtors) a church group, a sports team, or just a bunch of friends, Whispering Force classes are designed to be engaging, practical, and accessible to everyone. The training sessions focus on real-world self-defense techniques that participants can immediately apply in their everyday lives. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from physical maneuvers to verbal strategies that help individuals assert themselves and de-escalate potential threats. Classes can be held anywhere you are, including martial arts studios, community centers, and corporate offices.
The program’s instructors bring extensive expertise and a dynamic teaching style that enhances the learning experience. Their passion for teaching, combined with their deep knowledge of self-defense, makes the classes not only informative but also enjoyable and memorable.
Whispering Force also collaborates with other self-defense professionals and organizations to keep its curriculum current, relevant, and impactful. This network of experts helps ensure that participants receive high-quality training that evolves with the latest techniques and best practices in personal safety.
A Safe Haven for All
One of Dayoub’s primary goals is to extend Whispering Force’s reach to vulnerable groups, particularly women in domestic abuse shelters, who can attend classes at no cost through sponsorships. Whispering Force is not just about teaching self-defense; it’s about building confidence, fostering resilience, and creating a supportive community where every participant feels seen, heard, and capable. Dayoub’s vision is to empower individuals to reclaim their sense of safety and control, turning fear into confidence and vulnerability into strength.
Whispering Force’s unwavering commitment to safety, empowerment, and community engagement has made it an invaluable resource in Pittsburgh. Through the dedicated leadership of Rachel Dayoub and the enthusiastic support of the community, the program continues to inspire and equip women and children with the tools they need to navigate their world with confidence.
To further their mission of empowering all women, Whispering Force actively seeks sponsorships and partnerships from businesses and community members. With multiple levels of sponsorship available, those who share the commitment to supporting women and children can contribute meaningfully to the community.
To book a class for your group or to become a sponsor, visit whisperingforce.com. Follow on Instagram @whisperingforceselfdefense
