“In a significant step towards empowering women, India has launched a nationwide self-defense training scheme in 2025, targeting schoolgirls and women in urban and rural areas. The initiative, backed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to equip women with practical skills to combat threats, fostering confidence and safety. Programs in Delhi, Tripura, and Prayagraj highlight its widespread impact.”
Empowering Women Through Self-Defense: A Nationwide Initiative
In a proactive move to address women’s safety concerns, the Indian government, in collaboration with state authorities and local organizations, has rolled out an ambitious self-defense training scheme in 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, seeks to empower women and girls by equipping them with essential self-defense skills to navigate threats in public and private spaces. The program has gained traction across states, with tailored modules designed to address region-specific challenges.
In Delhi, the 21st Summer Self-Defense Camp, organized by the Delhi Police, concluded on June 10, 2025, at Vidya Bal Bhawan Senior Secondary School in Mayur Vihar Phase-3. Over 2,200 women and girls participated in this intensive training, which included modern tools like hand gloves, kick pads, and punching bags. The curriculum covered practical techniques, such as using everyday items like pens and handbags for defense, alongside martial arts basics, gender sensitization, and legal awareness workshops. Joint Commissioner of Police Nabam Gungte praised the initiative, emphasizing its role in fostering empowerment and resilience among participants.
In Tripura, the Rani Laxmibai Self-Defense Training program has reached 1.42 lakh female students across 2,058 schools, as announced by Chief Minister Manik Saha on April 23, 2025. The state has integrated these trainings with menstrual hygiene awareness, reflecting a holistic approach to women’s well-being. The program, funded with over Rs 1.31 crore, underscores Tripura’s commitment to creating safer environments for girls in educational institutions.
Prayagraj has also emerged as a key hub for this initiative, with 26 government secondary schools implementing the Rani Laxmibai Self-Defense Training scheme since June 2025. The three-month program focuses on teaching girls to handle adverse situations, combining physical techniques with mental fortitude. Local authorities have reported enthusiastic participation, with trainers emphasizing practical skills to boost confidence and self-reliance among young women.
Beyond educational institutions, community-driven efforts are amplifying the scheme’s reach. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a grassroots movement in Khajrana has transformed the lives of young girls through self-defense training. Initiated as a safety measure, it has evolved into a platform for instilling resilience and challenging societal norms, enabling girls to envision futures beyond traditional constraints. Similarly, the Assam Rifles conducted a two-day self-defense capsule on June 6-7, 2025, at Lokra Garrison, targeting girl students and fostering community outreach.
The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), in partnership with Kavach Defence System, launched the Nari Rakshak Teams (NRT) on March 7, 2025, during International Women’s Day celebrations in New Delhi. This initiative offers specialized training to counter threats like molestation, snatching, and domestic violence, with a focus on using everyday objects as defensive tools. The program also integrates safety protocols for public spaces, cabs, and solo travel, addressing modern challenges faced by women.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. In Ghaziabad, a planned self-defense program involving martial arts, judo, and taekwondo was delayed due to logistical issues, highlighting the need for streamlined implementation. Meanwhile, broader efforts to enhance women’s safety, such as the Nirbhaya Fund and Women Helpline 181, continue to complement these training initiatives, as emphasized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in March 2025.
The scheme’s impact is evident in its ability to foster confidence and agency among women. By combining physical training with awareness and legal education, it addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term empowerment. As the program expands, it aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment for women across India, challenging the normalization of violence and promoting collective action for change.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources like the Times of India, Hindustan, New Delhi Times, and The Hindu, reflecting initiatives as of July 2025. Information is sourced from credible outlets and government announcements, but readers are encouraged to verify details through official channels.