Learning to Fight Back

One of the ways Sambhali Trust fulfills its mission to empower women and girls is to confront the wide-spread gender-based violence. A recent Reuters study found India to be the most dangerous country to be a woman. In India, one in three women is subject to domestic violence, with more than 110,000 cases reported in 2016. Despite strengthened laws against sexual violence since 2012, reports of sexual assault have been increasing in India. However, it is unclear if this is an actual rise in attacks or an increase in reporting. In addition, gender-based violence has increased during the pandemic due to isolation, economic pressures, and other stressors. 

Sambhali Trust responded with an educational and outreach campaign to inform women of their rights and actions to take in response to gender-based violence, with psychological and legal counseling for survivors, and by teaching the women and girls in their programs how to defend themselves and gain independence. Advocates for women's self-defense reference tangible benefits aside from increased strength. Women who participate in self-defense classes notice psychological and behavioral changes. They experience increased assertiveness, self-efficacy, risk-avoidant behaviors, and confidence, and lower anxiety and fear.  

Sambhali's self-defense classes at empowerment centers and boarding homes teach self-reliance,  improve self-esteem, and build strength and confidence. The self-defense classes work in conjunction with other self-awareness workshops, such as mental health and personal hygiene, legal rights, and sexual and reproductive health. This photo shows much more than a high kick; it shows girls developing the confidence to exercise their fundamental right to autonomy.