Bhubaneswar, April 9 Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida launched a self-defense training program for 5,000 women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) here on Thursday, in the presence of National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar.
The program, being implemented by the Department of Mission Shakti in partnership with NCW, aims to provide self-defense and personal safety training to women in SHGs.
Addressing the gathering, Parida said that empowering women is not limited to financial independence; it must also ensure their safety, dignity, and confidence.
"This self-defense training program will equip our SHG women with the strength and skills to move fearlessly, make independent decisions, and actively participate in economic activities," she said.
Emphasizing the importance of institutional support for women's safety and capacity building, the NCW chairperson said that the program will play a crucial role in enabling women to become self-reliant and confident, while contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.
In the pilot phase, the self-defense training program will cover 5,000 members across five districts – Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, and Ganjam, officials said.
The initiative aims to enhance women's mobility, ensure safer participation in market linkages, and strengthen the foundation of women-led development in the state, they said.
