Self-defense camps see spike in attendance as women fear for their safety

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-08-19 10:46:37 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 19:28:32

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 10

---

"I don't want this to happen to any sister of ours."

Driven by a rising number of sexual crimes, women in India are joining self-defense camps in record numbers to learn everything from karate moves to handling pepper spray.

In the last year, police have registered more than 32,000 rape cases in India.

On Sunday, more than 100 women attended a self-defense training camp in Kolkata, with other volunteer groups setting up similar camps across the country.

The camp's organizer, Kiran, told the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan that though the initiative began weeks ago, "after the Hyderabad episode, there is an urgency among the women to learn self defense."

Kiran, who uses one name, said though the number of registrations had increased, the atmosphere at the camps remained "friendly," with women learning how to use humor and strength to diffuse tense situations.

Those at the Kolkata camp on Sunday included Sabina Minz, a banker who attended with her colleagues.

"Nowadays, you don't know when you become a victim of crime. We don't want to become victims; we want to protect ourselves," she told the BBC.

The women practiced a range of defense moves, including kicking and punching, as well as using alarms and sprays.

"Pepper spray is very handy. I always carry it in my handbag," Minz said.

The 27-year-old woman, who sold pets in Hyderabad, was raped and killed by a group of men last week in a case that has shocked the country.

The men dumped her body in a field in neighboring Guntur district after allegedly keeping her captive for more than a day.

Police have made two arrests in the case and are searching for the other suspects.

The incident has ignited anger across India over the rising number of sexual crimes against women, with many blaming the accused for their barbaric behavior and the police for their sluggish response.

The case has also cast a light on the real-world dangers for women in India, where gender-based violence remains widespread.

"I don't want this to happen to any sister of ours," Kiran told the BBC. "That's why I am doing this."

Go!