Women’s Commission organizes self-defense sports training program violence against women
KATHMANDU:- The certificate distribution and closing ceremony for a self-defense training program against violence against women—organized by the National Women Commission in collaboration with the Poonam Foundation, Kathmandu—was held today at Janakalyan Secondary School.
A total of 150 women participated in the training program. The event was presided over by Krishna Kumari Khatiwada Paudel, Spokesperson and Member of the National Women Commission.
The Chief Guest was Honorable Dr. Lily Thapa, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, while the Special Guest was Monalisa Khambu, a board member of the National Sports Council.
Also present were Punam Subba, Chairperson of the Punam Foundation; the Secretary of the National Women Commission; Shyam Adhikari, Chairperson of the Zenji Foundation; and others.
The self-defense sports training program aimed at combating violence against women was conducted by Mohan Bishwakarma, a coach from the National Sports Council.
On this occasion, the National Women Commission honored trainer Mohan Bishwakarma for his significant contribution to empowering women and raising awareness through sports; for a long time, he has traveled to various districts across the country to conduct self-defense sports training programs aimed at ending violence against women and fostering their widespread participation in sports, all while promoting women’s empowerment and self-respect.
Furthermore, the National Women Commission has honored Subba, the Chairperson of the Poonam Foundation, in recognition of her significant contributions to the fields of women’s rights and women’s empowerment.
Violence against women is not merely violence against an individual; it is an assault on human rights, equality, and dignity. While laws, policies, and state mechanisms are essential for building a society free from violence, it is equally crucial to foster self-confidence, self-respect, and the capacity for self-protection among women.
Self-defense sports are not merely about learning to counter an attack. By engaging women in these sports, they foster awareness regarding their bodies and rights, enable them to identify risks, empower them to make composed and courageous decisions during crises, and instill the self-confidence needed to keep themselves safe.
Therefore, it is essential to cultivate self-defense knowledge as a vital life skill for every girl and woman. If such training is conducted starting at the school level, our daughters can become more empowered and self-confident—not only physically but also mentally and socially.
For all the female trainees receiving certificates today, this certificate represents more than just proof of completing a training course; it is a symbol of the self-confidence, courage, and awareness regarding personal safety that you have developed.
Apply the skills you have learned here in your own lives and share that knowledge with your friends and sisters. When a single daughter becomes capable, a family grows stronger; when thousands of daughters become capable, society itself becomes stronger.
We must now move beyond treating such initiatives as mere one-off events and instead advance them as continuous campaigns. Collaboration among all relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure that every school provides female students with self-defense training, awareness regarding gender-based violence, information on legal rights, and necessary counseling.
Our message must be clear—Women should live with rights and self-confidence, not in fear. Women should move forward by raising their voices against violence, not by enduring it.
The chairperson, chief guest, and other guests expressed the view that every daughter should have the opportunity to become safe, respected, and self-reliant. The program was conducted by Prajapati Dahal, Deputy Senior Accounts Officer at the National Sports Council.
