Do you think schools in India should start teaching self defense for girls?

Yes , schools in India should start teaching self defense for girls in addition to incorporating other methods.

Self-defense is the conscious, intentional and ethical choice to protect one’s self from harm. This can include avoiding a potentially dangerous or violent situation as well as preparing oneself to apply force when necessary.

The skills involved in self-defense are referred to as “self-defense skills” or “defensive behaviors”, and they are taught to people of all ages.

We do live in a world where society is changing and awareness is helping in creating a more secure environment for girls but we should remember that as more and more places become accessible to women, the threats also increase. Women face the threat of physical and sexual abuse from households to public places. Teaching them defense equips them with skills to face the threat for themselves and to help any person in need making them no less than superheroes.

Looking at the schools of our country, girls still have to face problems like eve teasing which are promoted by Bollywood and other entertainment mediums. Having self defense skills gives them the confidence to stand up to these approaches.

When a girl stands up to such calls in her school, not only does she protect herself but she also motivates other girls to do so as well as warding off people who are gravitating towards such an approach.

High school girls also face the threat of stalking, in a lot of cases they are being stalked by much older males and that’s why having such skills can make them feel more secure if they are ever out alone or even when they are going back alone.

The lockdown has highlighted how prevalent domestic abuse is in households. . Domestic abuse occurs among all socioeconomic groups and can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender and socioeconomic status. In India, domestic abuse is primarily driven by cultural beliefs. Women are considered to be subordinate to men in marriage.

Violence is considered to be a way for the husband to restore lost pride or discipline his wife. Victims never report the violence since they have nobody to talk about it with. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by spouses, former spouses, dating partners and cohabitants.

A girl who has learnt self defense can also employ it to help family members who face abuse greatly benefiting the law system as well. This also prepares them for the future as they are enabled now to face any violence that their future partner might resolve to.

Learning skills like martial arts also has other benefits than providing protection. Martial arts improve your fitness, flexibility, confidence, discipline; It builds strength and stamina, improves your balance and coordination, and makes you more flexible. Martial arts help to reduce stress levels, relieve anxiety, put you in a good mood, and promote a feeling of harmony and wholeness.