Emphasising the physical training aspect to bring about women empowerment, former President Pratibha Patil on Sunday said it was important to impart martial arts or combat sports training to girls at a young age.
“The time has come when we should start imparting Judo and Karate training to girls right from their school days. This will instil a sense of self-protection and security in them. There have been so many cases where young girls have just about managed to avert untoward situations,” Patil said, addressing a function organised by Vidarbha Vaibhav Mandir Trust here.
“People say we need to change our mentality towards women...yes, I too say so. But, I also say if one really needs to change the mentality, then start educating your children at an early age and tell them how to behave and respect girls and women,” she said.
Underlining the struggle women face in day-to-day life, she said, “Women face taboo and superstitions even today, which hinders their success despite the fact they are dynamic in so many roles they play and return in manifold to the society whatever they get from it.”
Patil presented the ‘Vidarbha Gaurav’ to IAS officer Bhagyashree Banayat from Amaravati district, and entrepreneur Pratima Raut. — PTI
