The Independent Women’s Network (IWN) Denver Chapter, in collaboration with Gun Fighting International, recently organized an all-women’s conceal carry class. The event, held in Bennet, Colorado, aimed to empower women with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and their families. Ten chapter members participated in the training, led by experienced instructor Paul Gregory.
The decision to host this class comes at a time when Denver is grappling with a significant increase in violent crimes. According to FBI data, Denver’s overall violent crimes, including aggravated assault, sex assault, robbery, and homicide, have risen by more than 90% between 2012 and 2022, making it one of the most concerning trends among U.S. cities with over half a million residents.
IWN, along with its sister organizations, Independent Women’s Forum (IWF), Independent Women’s Voice (IWV), and Independent Women’s Law Center (IWLC), strongly believes in the importance of the Second Amendment for women’s safety. In a joint letter addressed to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2023, IWF President Carrie Lukas, IWV Vice President for Policy Hadley Heath Manning, and IWLC Founder Jennifer C. Braceras emphasized the special significance of the Second Amendment in enabling American women to carry firearms for self-defense purposes.
Megan Burke, the Denver Chapter leader of Independent Women’s Network, expressed her concerns about the deteriorating safety situation in Denver. She stated, “I have lived in Denver for 11 years, and sadly, it is changing fast and furious, and not for the better. Instead of constantly worrying, I decided I wanted to be smart and proactive about this.” Burke, along with other chapter members, recognized the need to take action and protect their families and themselves. They collectively decided to participate in the private concealed carry class offered by Gun Fighting International.
Megan Burke further praised the class and their instructor, Paul Gregory, saying, “I cannot say enough good things about this class and our instructor, Paul Gregory. It was extremely informative, and I feel so much more confident about handling firearms and Colorado gun laws. I also feel much more confident in myself to protect a life. Not only did we learn so much, but we also had so much fun doing it all together.”
Kelly K, a Denver Chapter member, expressed her gratitude to Independent Women’s Network and Megan Burke for organizing the women-only concealed weapon class. She said, “This event was a great time, and brought like-minded women together to take charge of their safety by empowering us with real facts and knowledge to carry a weapon.”
Lauren H, another Denver Chapter member, shared her experience, stating, “The class was informative, engaging, and gave me the confidence that I can defend myself and my family if I ever found myself in a situation where I needed to respond. It’s great to be a part of a women’s group that offers these experiences.”
Independent Women’s Network continues to prioritize the safety and empowerment of women through initiatives like the all-women’s conceal carry class. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, IWN aims to create a safer environment for women in Denver and beyond.
