We live in a society, where women and girls are often victimized or suffer sexual assault and violence. Today, I want to shout out to all the women to take a stand for them. Who thinks women are not capable enough? Women have the power of 100 men and thus, are capable of doing wonders. She is the architect of society who can build and develop a nation. It is beautifully quoted – Don’t disrespect women, she rules this world. Male is born, by growing in her palms!…

When you think about Self-Defense, you rarely if ever think of women defending herself. Though the reason is simple, people think they will be defended by their husband or loved ones or their family if needed. Right?

What really is self-defense? Self-Defense is an action or a force to protect yourself from something bad, or with responding to someone attacking you. Have you ever thought of a situation where your wife is all alone at home and suddenly a stranger enters? The truth is we don’t think of attacks enough, because we want to believe that people are inherently good and wouldn’t hurt us. However, one should notice to these scenarios, as “self-defense is a protection” and not a harmful thing.

Why women should learn Self-Defense?

Every woman should learn self-defense, because:

1. Self-defense helps women protect themselves and their family – In my opinion, this is the most important reason for a woman to learn self-defense, because it is the difference between life and death. While men are considered to be more powerful, belonging to a male-dominated society, as the stronger sex. Meaning, even though women are smaller and not as strong, this discipline helps women use their opponent’s mechanics against them, such as their height, weight, and even strength. In a self-defense situation, this is crucial. The majority of attackers are not going to be proficient in martial arts. This provides an edge to women when in a self-defense situation.

2. Self-defense builds confidence in women – Often while growing up, some women have very low self-esteem and even self-worth. But by learning self-defense techniques like Martial arts, Classic Karate, etc will give them confidence that no one could question or take away. They’ll realize their true self- worth. Moreover, they’ll develop a strong persona in society. No one can undermine them. Importantly, Self-defense calls greatness out of women and empowers them to be more than what they think they can be.

3. Self-defense teaches women discipline, and that discipline transfers all other areas of their lives – Professionally, Self-defense will teach women to herself better and how to be calm, control my breathing, and respond instead of reacting to situations. Personally, it will teach her, proper body control and understanding. It gives a woman an overall strength, flexibility, dexterity, and cognitive awareness. Emotionally, it will teach her to trust a process that has no definite end. Spiritually, discovering herself as a person altogether. Therefore, by enduring hardship, a woman can make her daily walk of life a happy place.

Empowering Women through Self-defense

However, one of the most significant benefits of women learning self-defense is the fact that they feel empowered.  It can be life-altering to find the empowerment that martial arts and self-defense can provide.  This goes hand in hand with the confidence gained.  The confidence you establish from self-defense is life-changing and will transcend into empowerment. They will feel comfortable anywhere they go they will be confident in their workplace, classes, in bars, clubs, and everywhere.

Not only will they develop the confidence to defend themselves physically but they will be keener to defend themselves verbally and in every aspect of their lives.  So many men in the workplace, in classes, at bars, and in every aspect of women’s lives will say inappropriate comments, when women are empowered through self-defense they will be quick to put a halt to these comments quickly.  The more they let men take advantage of them out of fear, the more men will.  It is imperative to stop this as soon as it starts.

Tools and Tips for Self-Defense

The world out there is intimidating, but one can take a little protection about themselves. Apart from knowing the art of self-defense, one must have some effective self-defense weapon to protect them. Therefore, a variety of self-defense weapons come depending on your need for their use. Moreover, they have some unique protection features. Plus, a woman can always carry them in their bags, purse, pocket or cars. Some of the tools for self-defense are:

Pepper Spray

One of the most common and effective defense weapons, a bottle of pepper spray is compact and will easily snug into your handbag. If you ever feel unsafe, then take out the spray bottle and spray it in the eye of the attacker. The spray acts as an irritant to the eyes and skin of the culprit. You must hold it an arm’s length and then aim to spray at the attacker’s face to escape. After that inform the police immediately.

Own Experience

I am a girl who lives away from her family. Sometimes I get late while reaching home. The world is changing rapidly and you never know what comes next. I get scared by the dark. But one person gifted me a Pepper Spray bottle and told me it is for my own protection. I always prefer to carry my pepper spray bottle, even to when I am driving home from anywhere. I feel safe by protecting myself. It enhances my confidence level. I feel that a girl should never depend on another person to help her out. If she is capable enough to handle a situation, she should take an initiative along with giving proper information to the police is also necessary. After all, your safety is in your own hands.

Self Defense Knife

This is a knife similar to the regular knife, but a bit lighter and slimmer than it. It is said to be one of the best self-defense tools. You can carry it anywhere you want to.

Silver Self Defense Key Cases

This key structured self-defense tool measures 5.5-inch and only weighs 2 ounces. You can easily wrap your fingers around it and the keychain loop assures complete sturdiness. It is handcrafted with light aircraft aluminum, thus making it an ideal self-defense keychain. In fact, you can gift it to your sister or daughter or your wife. The one whose safety means a lot to you.

Comb Knife

The surprise element is the knife which is inbuild in a comb. This is ultimate as women can carry it anywhere like a comb. Disguised as a normal comb but it is a functional and economical option for women looking to feel safer while out and about. It can quickly convert to an ideal self-defense knife.

Notable Organizations and Movements Started by Women

BLANK NOISE

Started by Jasmeen Patheja, Blank Noise helps women fight street violence. It conducts various road events and demonstrations, exhibiting the right to safety for women, and fight against street violence. It also uses social media platforms to encourage women and raise awareness on the issues of women’s safety and women empowerment.

GULABI GANG

The Gulabi Gang– ‘Rose Gang’ started in rural Uttar Pradesh by a group of women headed by Sampath Pal Devi, that held sticks (lathis) in their hand and spoke against domestic abuse and gender violence. It was primarily aimed at removing officers who did not register cases of crimes against women under the influence of money. This gang grew to include community service efforts in food and grain distribution to villagers, teaching self-defense to women as well as empowering women to be economically self-sufficient.

A woman must equip herself with simple self-defense techniques, to catch an attacker off guard and show him the consequences of misbehavior. Even the basic style of self-defense is better than no defense at all. As Ronald Reagan says, “Self-Defense is not only our right; it is our duty.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, we consider prevention is always better than cure. Women should learn and need martial arts as it will benefit them in so many ways, especially nowadays where everything is so adventurous and safety is never guaranteed. As so many things are developing, so is the crime rate and criminal minds. We truly believe women should use martial art and other self-defense tools as it is useful for women’s safety as the crime rates are increasing, the needs of women for the right techniques of self-defense and to build confidence in women’s nature.

A wise one will know their limit and should never put themselves in a potential crime scene. A rational one will put their ego aside and admit their weaknesses. However, a gentleman will be the one who has the nature of responsibility to protect the women without judging that woman’s face first. If they can be advanced in fashion, trends, gossips and even gender rights, they should be advanced in taking care of each other safety too without boasting on who is the stronger one.

Harshi Choudhary

Hello! I’m Harshi Choudhary, currently pursuing Digital Marketing. A free-spirit who is passionate about watching a sunset, long drives, crazy food lover, doing art-painting work and helping others. I feel happy to be a reason for someone’s smile. I always desired to write my own blog, something different. These blogs are to spread awareness among the general mass on the ongoing social issues engulfing our country. I hope you’ll be delighted to read my blog. Please feel free to comment and share your valuable opinions in the comment section.