MukkaMaar- #FightLikeAGirl

The problem of gender based violence with girls in India is a complex jigsaw of related problems such as, social structure, patriarchy, poverty, malnutrition and overpopulation. Besides facing severe neglect from families, girls are also ‘taught’ by society to behave in ways that make them ‘better victims’ of assault and abuse.

She is burdened with the responsibility of the assault itself, adding shame to the complexity of the situation. Crime against girls are not ones of aggression, they are crimes of power; in order to establish superiority of gender. Such crimes mostly take place because it’s easy to do so. Girls often don’t know an act is ‘wrong’ unless violent; the parents think it’s the child’s fault. Even if the girl knows it’s wrong, she doesn’t know where to seek help, and most of all, she doesn’t know how to defend herself, or doesn’t ‘think’ she will be able to.

In order to solve this complex problem, we use a comprehensive self-defense training program as means to not only teach the physical part of the training but to also inculcate a system of values wherein the girls gain agency over their bodies.

Self-defense training (one that combines the physical techniques, assertiveness training and a mindset of agency) arms women with the skills to avoid, deter, interrupt, and resist assault. In order to defend the self, a woman must ‘perceive herself as having value’ over and beyond that of an attacker. Women must first feel ‘entitled’ to be safe and respected. Our program is designed to achieve the above end.

Over several months of training through our school program, we have seen profound changes in not just the girls, but in their parents, schools and community. Besides getting physically fit to deal with violence, incase it is perpetrated, they have actually begun to look at themselves like strong girls, who can fight anything, and ones who value themselves and their bodies. They have been able to not feel ashamed of their bodies and build resilience. 95% girls have mentioned in our survey that they find the program useful. Many have said that they fall sick less often, do not feel scared to step out and know how to act in a violent situation. There have also been instances where the girls have been able to report and stop violence and abuse, with the help of our trainers.

We sincerely believe that the real impact would be when safety becomes a priority for each one of us, rejecting the grotesque attitude of, "but this happens to all girls".

And slowly, we can see our girls, schools and parents taking steps towards this.