mukkamar: Power of a Mukki: Mumbai-based NGO virtually provides self-defense training for girls

On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child today, Mumbai-based NGO Mukamaar hosted a virtual event to launch a report titled “The Power of Body, Voice and Spirit for Every Girl” . The NGO worked with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to help young girls upgrade their physical and mental skills to ensure their personal safety in more than 1,100 schools. Mukamaar founder Ishita Sharma was joined by other members of the organization in explaining that the NGO’s trainers ensure that girls can connect with something that makes them feel strong, no. only physically, but also emotionally and mentally.

Richa Chadha, who has attended several field events organized by Mukkamar, joined the virtual event as a guest and spoke about the power that self defense training brings. ”
Jis desh mein violence
kokh mein shuru ho jata hai, vahan self defense training
sideboard zaroori hai“she said, adding:” Such training of body and mind imparts agility and confidence, which will help girls not only to keep themselves safe, but also in other aspects of life. Greater Mumbai Municipality Education Office Raju Tadvi, who also attended the event, said, “Self-defense training should be implemented in all schools.”

According to members of the NGO, self-defense training changes the patterns of interaction of women with strangers, even when such interactions do not threaten violence. In this way, self-defense training also acts as a deterrent against gender-based violence. Thus, effective self-defense training equips women with the skills to avoid, interrupt and resist assault. Mukkamar exists to make sure girls can connect with something that makes them feel strong, not only physically but also emotionally and mentally.

Members also discussed the launch of a digital and interactive program on WhatsApp, which will allow many girls to take self-defense classes at home. The pandemic has also prompted the Mukkamar team to create a digital platform where interaction is possible and where the completion of training modules will allow girls to earn points which can be redeemed for a data recharge. They have taken this step to ensure that the internet being inaccessible does not become a barrier for girls in their self-defense journey.

The NGO helps young girls to realize that they have authority over their bodies, and therefore over their lives. Seven-year-old Anahat Bachwani, who learned through the digital training program, said: “I am taught to use the body last. Before the body, I have my voice and my mind to apply first. Another girl from Mukkamaar, Varsha, ten, explained how the program helps young girls come out with confidence. She said, ”
Apne ap mein confidence
rakhne ka, kabhi haar nahi maane ka. ”

The members then discussed the new notions of equality, freedom, gender, etc., of the participants and their parents after joining the Mukkamar program compared to people who were not part of it. The Mukkamar organization aims to train 10,000 girls in self-defense by 2022.