Uttar Pradesh Police Mahila Samman Prakoshth · Programme case study
Akshaya: Self-defence and confidence for girls
Akshaya paired basic self-defence with confidence, body awareness and a positive self-image. School and college students practised skills for situations in which they might have to respond first, with support from police trainers, the U.P. Karate Association and NGOs.
- Practical self-defence skills
- Confidence and body awareness
- Police, specialist trainers and NGOs working together
The challenge
Girls needed practical preparation for situations in which gender-based violence might occur, alongside the confidence and body awareness to respond. Akshaya addressed these as connected aspects of safety.
The response
School and college students learned basic self-defence with contributions from police trainers, the U.P. Karate Association and NGOs. Sessions also focused on confidence, positive body language and self-image.
Documented reach
Akshaya trained 13,000 girls across 35 schools and colleges. A fortnight-long programme in Pratapgarh brought together 5,500 girls for a group demonstration.