Self Defence for 1000 young girls in Nagpur, India

Dear reader,

This is a story from Radha who participated in our selfdefence training:

"My name is Radha (name changed), and I study in class IX. I attended the self-defence training at my High School which was offered by Prabodhini project.

After a few days of this training, me and my family, travelled to another village for a “baby shower” celebration by our relatives. Many people came. Some people left immediately after the celebrations while many had to stay back for the night as they had come from far-off villages. Sleeping arrangements were done for people who stayed back. My sister informed me that we will be sleeping on the terrace and gave me sheets and pillows to prepare the bed. After finishing the work, I was standing and looking out from the terrace when the younger brother of my brother-in-law came from behind and pressed himself against my body. He held me against my wishes. I was very afraid, taken aback and at loss of words. Then I remembered what I had learned in the training. I took a long, deep breath and then kicked hard on the man's toes. Then I ran out from the terrace and went to my sister. That night, I didn’t tell anyone of the incident. But the next day, I told my sister all about it, who then confronted the man. The man then apologised to me. I felt good that I was able to handle the situation effectively and was able to stop the harassment against me. I feel even more confident now. I want to truly thank you – Manish didi and Suchita didi – for giving me this training that has given me a lot of self-confidence. I'm not to be molested anymore!"

Thank you for your support to enable girls like Radha to defend themselves. Please remember, next Tuesday on 29th November is 'Giving Tuesday' and your donation will be matched. Your donation makes a big difference for girls in India!

Recently, 208 girls and young women participated in the self-defense courses. The participants appreciate these courses very much. They are no longer afraid to be out on their own and know that they can now defend themselves in dangerous situations. Many parents were happy to see great self-confidence in their daughters' eyes.

Savita fights back against her uncle
The story of Savita (13, name changed) also shows that the self-defense classes are important and necessary. She reports:
"My father had a good friend. Someone who was part of our family and I called him uncle. Actually I liked him, he was always nice and funny. But at some point he started touching me and I didn't like that at all. I didn't manage to resist and I was always frozen when he put his hand on me. I did not tell my parents about it. My fear and shame were too great.

Then a friend told me about the self-defense course in Nagpur. At first I had doubts, but I was able to overcome them and go there. I learned: what my uncle did to me is violence. I don't have to tolerate it. In the course, I was able to talk openly about what I had experienced. The trainers were very understanding and showed me how to defend myself. That gave me and still gives me an incredibly liberating feeling.

One day when I was at home, I was feeling pretty bad and didn't go to school. My father went to get me some medicine and asked my uncle to take care of me until he came back. It wasn't long before he started touching me again. He even wanted me to sit on his lap. But this time I did not freeze. I got angry and asked him to leave the house. He just laughed and pulled me closer to him. But I yelled at him and called the neighbors. A neighbor then came to my rescue and my uncle fled. I asked her to wait with me for my father.

I told my father everything that happened. Everything my uncle did and wanted to do to me. And my father showed understanding for my reaction and actions! Thank you to Prabodhini for giving me the opportunity to participate in the classes. Without them, I would never have this self-confidence that I have today."