Empowering women with self-defence

A training workshop for young women to protect themselves from molesters and stalkers was conducted by Rotary Club of Poona, D 3131. A team of ­national-level ­professionals gave hands-on training to the participants.

“Such a need in unarmed ­combat was felt and hence our club launched this ­project with the theme Swayam ­suraksha he mein apnee raksha,” says Club ­President Colonel Prem Anand. Once they were taught some basic martial arts, “the women will be able to handle offenders on their own without ­expecting any help from others in public spaces.”

The 90-minute course can be organised at any venue or an open ground in schools, colleges or residential societies. Every batch has 30 ­trainees to ensure individual guidance and the technique used is simple, adds Anand.