Growing up as a pre-teen and teenager, personal safety was a constant concern. It was a worry shared among many of my female friends, and I’m speaking up on behalf of all pre-teen and teenage female students who deserve to feel safe and empowered in their daily lives. Unfortunately, the world is not always a safe place, but we have the opportunity to equip our young women with the skills to protect themselves through compulsory self-defence training in schools.

Self-defence is a critical life skill that can increase awareness, boost confidence, and prepare individuals to respond effectively in dangerous situations. Statistics show that one in three women will experience some form of physical violence in their lifetime, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). With the rise in incidents of harassment and assault, especially towards young women, it’s crucial that we act proactively to protect our students.

By incorporating compulsory self-defence lessons into the school curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11, we can provide students with essential skills and knowledge that will serve them for life. These lessons can cover practical skills such as how to assess dangerous situations, de-escalate potential conflicts, and defend oneself physically if needed.

Many other countries have successfully implemented similar programs, seeing positive results in terms of student well-being and personal safety. For instance, schools in Australia and Canada have incorporated self-defence training into their curriculum with significant improvements in student confidence and a noticeable decline in school bullying rates. By learning from these successful models, we can adapt and apply effective self-defence education in our own schools.

Moreover, teaching self-defence can foster an environment of respect and support, encouraging students to look out for each other. It promotes an atmosphere where empowering and protecting each other are part of the school's values.

Let’s ensure that young women in our nation grow up with the confidence and skills they need to navigate the world safely. By making self-defence lessons compulsory in schools, we are investing in a future where girls and women feel supported and secure. Sign this petition to urge education authorities to make self-defence lessons a mandatory part of the school curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11, ensuring a safer, more empowered future for all students.