In recent times, there has been a quantum leap in awareness of the need for a world free of sexual and gender-based violence. This was perhaps reflected in the large number of women who volunteered for learning self-defence techniques in a training programme organised by the UK-based organisation Action Breaks Silence, and French NGO Mission Humanitaire.
The two organisations have brought their workshop on imparting self-defence techniques to the city with a vision to “create a world in which women and girls can live free from the fear of gender-based violence.”
Over 40 women across age groups and professions enrolled for the programme.
Debi Steven, founder and president of Action Breaks Silence, along with her team taught them a variety of techniques to defend themselves in a crisis.
M. Maheswari, a professional from Moolakulam, felt that such workshops were very much essential considering the number of cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
G. Thaiyalnayagi, a social worker, said in a situation where violence against women and young girls has been increasing, an empowering exercise of this nature would be optimum as there is no avenue for women to get tips on defending themselves.
The public workshop held in the city was part of a series of 14 workshops conducted by Debi Steven and a team of instructors from the UK, France, Kerala and Lucknow in schools and universities throughout the Pondicherry district through April.
Recognising the enormity of the daily battles women and girls face, Ms. Debi established Action Breaks Silence in July 2013. Having herself survived a sexual assault attempt at the age of 11, and driven by a belief that all women and teenage girls should live a life free from the fear of sexual and gender-based violence, Debi has for the past 20 years been working for the empowerment of women.
Ms. Debi said, “The creation of this important partnership with Mission Humanitaire has enabled us to bring our world-leading “Empowerment through Self-Defence” workshops to Puducherry.
Having instructed 13,500 women and girls in various parts of India, she believes that the women in the country are “hungry to feel more empowered and safe as they lead their daily lives.”
Ms. Debi said she was enthused by how at the end of every workshop, several women approached her and expressed their willingness to be associated with such workshops in future. “They would ask us whether they could come to other workshops. Our goal is to teach every single aspirant techniques in self-defence.
Adding that her team could not conduct more training programmes in schools as examinations came in between, Ms Debi said, “When I will come back again, I will conduct an instructor training programme in Puducherry.”
