Women, fight

It’s time to show what women are made up of. As crimes against women continue to rise across the country. It’s time for women to take matters into their own hands. The skill development department in Maharashtra launched a new campaign— Har Ghar Durga—under which dedicated physical education sessions will be held in all government-run ITIs across the state.

Be your own hero

While it is not the first time the country has seen gruesomeness, it definitely won’t be the last unless dramatic social, legal, and psychological changes are made. But the need of the hour is to train women to fight off their attackers and save themselves. Remember, no one will come to your rescue in your worst times.

Swati Lakra, Addl DGP, Telangana, says, “Physical education and self-defence are crucial for girls, as it not only provides physical skills but also boosts confidence to help themselves navigate any situation. It also improves strength, endurance, and agility, which are beneficial for both personal safety and general health.”

“Ready to React”

Arif H. Shaikh, the Inspector General of Police in Chhattisgarh, asserts, “Girls should learn physical education skills that are adaptable to any situation; they should embody the concept of “Ready to React.” “The traditional defence techniques of karate, judo, etc. don’t help. Girls should receive training in a defense system that empowers them to utilise everyday objects as powerful weapons against their attackers. We had implemented such programmes under “Mission Raksha” in Chhattisgarh. The defence training should be a continuous process and not a knee-jerk reaction,” says the IPS officer. With initiatives like Mission Raksha, he tried to spread awareness and empower them so that they don’t fall prey to crimes and create safe public spaces for women.

Beyond the Playground

Fortis hospital in Delhi has partnered with the Parivartan cell of the Delhi police to provide martial arts training for its female staff.

The training includes techniques such as punches, elbow strikes, and the use of everyday items as weapons.

Self-defence training enables girls to defend themselves and avert unpleasant situations. It will also send a powerful message to abusers that girls can defend themselves, says Syeda Falak, International Karate athlete and advocate. “Self-defence training for girls is an empowering and practical way to enhance their safety, confidence, and independence. Every girl should be knowledgeable about basic self-teaching techniques, the weak points of the human body, where to attack, how to be aware and tackle the situation, and how to alert others if they are in a dangerous situation, among other things. So by learning self-defence, they will learn how to recognise threats, desescalate conflicts, and physically defend themselves if necessary,” says Syeda.

Taapsee Pannu, who has always advocated self-defence for girls, had earlier said, “I think with the given situation we are in, it’s important to empower girls from a young age... Should a situation arise where their security is under threat, one should possess strength and learn how to confront it effectively. I think a change always starts with small steps, and for me, that was to reach out to my school and request and assist them to begin a course for self-defence for students from a young age.”

Psychological Strength: “The program DARE (Defence Against Rape and Eve Teasing), which I devised years ago, has empowered many women to work late hours fearlessly. Training involves understanding and managing fear, recognising danger signals, and developing strategies for confrontation. This holistic approach helps in building mental resilience and self-assurance,” says Seema Rao, India’s first female special forces trainer, who has been training Special Forces of India for over two decades.

Social Impact: Empowering women through physical education and self-defence training contributes to broader social benefits. “It can reduce reliance on others for safety, foster a sense of autonomy, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate vulnerability. Training women to defend themselves can result in increased equality and safety in diverse situations. Overall, mandatory physical education and self-defence training are important for fostering a sense of personal security, confidence, and independence among girls and women,” sums up Seema, who has trained over 20,000 Indian soldiers ranging from the Indian Army, Paramilitary, and police to elite forces, including the NSG Black Cats, Anti-Terror Squad, IAF's Garud Commando Force, and Navy-Marine Commandos.

Prevention and Awareness: “By learning how to handle various stages of confrontation—from initial unwanted attention to physical assault—women can effectively manage and de-escalate potential dangers. Awareness and proactive measures can prevent many attacks from escalating,” according to an 8th degree Blackbelt in military martial arts.

The Impact of Self-Defence

Dr Seema Rao, India’s first and only female commando trainer, mandatory self-defence training for girls is becoming increasingly important for a number of reasons.

Physical Fitness and Health: Regular physical education helps develop and maintain overall fitness. It builds strength, endurance, and agility, which are beneficial for both physical health and mental well-being. Integrating fitness from a young age fosters a lifelong habit that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Self-Defence and Empowerment: Self-defence training equips individuals with the skills to protect themselves from potential threats. “For women, this training is particularly empowering, as it provides them with confidence and the ability to respond effectively in dangerous situations. Knowing how to defend oneself can reduce fear and increase personal security.”