Published: 12:01 AM, 15 July 2026
Girls Around Us Must Be Taught Freehand Self-Defence
Jannatul Fardaus Mahia
The safety and confidence of girls have become matters of growing public concern in Bangladesh. Incidents of harassment, stalking, domestic violence, cyberbullying, and sexual assault continue to affect girls and women in schools, colleges, workplaces, and public spaces. Although stronger laws, effective policing, and greater public awareness are essential, another practical step deserves serious attention: teaching girls freehand self-defence from an early age. Self-defence training is not a substitute for justice or social reform, but it can provide girls with valuable skills, confidence, and the ability to respond during dangerous situations.
Freehand self-defence refers to techniques that do not require weapons or special equipment. It includes learning how to escape from an attacker’s grip, protect vital parts of the body, maintain balance, use one's voice to attract attention, and create an opportunity to flee. The primary objective is not to encourage fighting but to help individuals protect themselves until they can reach safety. This practical knowledge can make a significant difference during emergencies.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in girls' education and women's participation in various professions. Today, girls excel in academic examinations, sports, science, business, and public service. Despite these achievements, many still face insecurity while travelling to school, using public transport, or returning home after classes. Fear of harassment often limits their freedom and confidence. By introducing self-defence education, society can equip girls with practical skills that complement their academic learning and prepare them for real-life challenges.
Schools and colleges are ideal places to introduce structured self-defence programmes. Physical education classes can include basic techniques suitable for different age groups. Certified trainers can conduct regular sessions where students learn situational awareness, confidence-building exercises, safe escape methods, and emergency response strategies. Such programmes should focus on discipline, self-control, and responsible decision-making rather than aggression. Regular practice will help students remember these skills and use them effectively if ever required.
Self-defence training also contributes to mental strength. Many girls hesitate to react during dangerous situations because they panic or lose confidence. Through repeated practice, students learn to remain calm under pressure, assess risks quickly, and make better decisions. They develop greater self-esteem and become more aware of their surroundings. These psychological benefits often extend beyond personal safety, improving classroom participation, leadership qualities, and overall confidence in daily life.
Parents have a crucial role in supporting this initiative. Some families may mistakenly believe that self-defence encourages violence or inappropriate behaviour. In reality, responsible self-defence education teaches restraint, respect, and self-discipline. Parents should encourage their daughters to participate in training and discuss personal safety openly at home. They should also teach children to trust their instincts, avoid isolated areas when possible, share travel plans with family members, and seek help from trusted adults whenever they feel threatened.
The government can strengthen national efforts by incorporating self-defence into educational policy. The Ministry of Education, educational boards, and relevant authorities can work together to design age-appropriate training modules. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies, sports organisations, martial arts instructors, and community groups can ensure high-quality instruction across the country. Rural schools should receive equal attention so that girls outside major cities benefit from the same opportunities as those in urban areas.
Community organisations and non-governmental organisations can also make meaningful contributions. Many organisations already conduct awareness campaigns on women's rights, child protection, and gender equality. Adding self-defence workshops to these programmes would increase their effectiveness. Local community centres, youth clubs, and sports facilities can organise weekend training sessions for girls who may not receive such instruction at school. Public awareness campaigns can further educate society about the importance of personal safety and respectful behaviour.
However, self-defence training alone cannot solve the broader problem of violence against women. The responsibility for preventing harassment and assault lies with offenders, not with victims. Society must continue to strengthen law enforcement, ensure quick access to justice, improve street lighting, install security cameras where appropriate, maintain safe public transport, and promote gender equality through education and public campaigns. Boys should also receive education about respect, consent, empathy, and responsible behaviour. Creating a safe society requires changing attitudes as well as improving security measures.
Technology can further support personal safety. Girls should be taught how to use emergency helplines, location-sharing features, safety applications, and mobile phones to seek immediate assistance. Educational institutions can organise seminars on digital safety, online harassment, and responsible use of social media. Combining physical self-defence skills with digital awareness will prepare students to respond to both offline and online threats.
Several countries have successfully introduced self-defence education in schools as part of broader safety and health programmes. These initiatives have shown positive outcomes, including improved confidence, better physical fitness, and greater awareness of personal safety. Bangladesh can adapt such models to suit its own cultural and educational context while ensuring that training remains inclusive, respectful, and professionally supervised.
Importantly, self-defence should be presented as a life skill rather than a reaction to fear. Just as students learn swimming to reduce the risk of drowning or first aid to respond during emergencies, learning self-defence prepares them for unexpected situations. Most people may never need to use these techniques, but having the knowledge can provide reassurance and improve personal preparedness. The confidence gained through training often influences many aspects of life, from public speaking to participating in sports and community activities.
Teachers also have an important responsibility. They should create supportive classroom environments where girls feel comfortable discussing safety concerns. Schools can establish reporting systems for harassment and ensure that every complaint is handled seriously. Counsellors, where available, should provide emotional support to students affected by bullying or violence. A combination of education, awareness, and institutional support will make self-defence programmes more effective.
Ultimately, empowering girls through self-defence education is an investment in a stronger and more confident nation. Every girl deserves the freedom to pursue education, employment, and personal aspirations without living in constant fear. Teaching freehand self-defence is not about promoting violence; it is about promoting preparedness, resilience, and self-confidence. Alongside stronger laws, responsible parenting, effective policing, and social awareness, self-defence training can become an important part of Bangladesh's efforts to build a safer future. By equipping girls with practical skills and encouraging a culture of mutual respect, Bangladesh can take another meaningful step toward ensuring that every girl grows up with dignity, confidence, and the ability to protect herself in times of need.
Jannatul Fardaus Mahia is an
adjunct faculty at Bangladesh
Institute of Bank Management,
Dhaka.
