Self-defense camps see surge in attendance amid skyrocketing sexual crimes

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-07-11 10:25:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-11 05:01:56

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Inspired by the poignant story of a 27-year-old woman who was raped and killed by spree killers in Hyderabad, women in India are turning to self-defense classes to fight the surge of sexual crimes nationwide. These victims of unspeakable horrors hope to avoid the same fate by learning self-defense and personal safety tactics, enrolling in a array of classes spanning martial arts to pepper spray training.

The tragic incident that shook the nation last month, reminded Indians of the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 24-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi in 2012. Both crimes have posthumously portrayed the victims as brave survivors who sadly fell victim to the negligence and apathy of the Indian society and system.

In Kolkata alone, over 100 women, rallied by volunteer groups, attended a self-defense training camp on Sunday. Volunteer groups across the country are setting up similar camps to cater to the surge in demand. Indian police registered over 32,000 cases of rape in 2017 alone, according to the most recent available data.

One participant, Chakma, 28, said that growing up, girls were told "we have to be careful, we have to be alert" now, she said, is "the time to learn how to protect ourselves". Another woman, Sharmistha Mitra, told local media that "learning self-defense is not just for ourselves but for all women".

The stellar turnout across the country reflects a renewed perception of women's safety in India and their proactive approach to redefine their own security. The collective effort to ensure safety for women in India is finally underway.

Quote from a participant:

"I want to feel equal to any man, walking the streets at night without fear. I want my daughter to grow up in a safer India".

This shift in attitude is a powerful testament to the hard work of activists, civic groups and volunteers who have rallied to make self-defense accessible to all. The women who attended these camps have taken control of their own safety and set an example for others to follow.

The fight to end sexual crimes in India is far from over, but by heeding the call to action, women are paving a powerful way forward.

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