The recent heartbreaking rape and murder of a medical trainee in Kolkata, West Bengal underscores the pressing need to safeguard women. It is because of these distressing incidents that we are pushed to demand change at every level. This petition advocates the urgent need for legislation that mandates the teaching of self-defense to girls in all schools and curriculums nationwide.

Crimes against women are on the rise and this not only unveils a disturbing social problem, but unearths the dire need to empower women, young girls in particular, through all possible means. It is rightly observed that prevention is always better than cure. Providing precise skill sets and knowledge would act as a shield, giving our girls the courage and power to thwart potential threats.

Evidence suggests that women who have received self-defense training are significantly less likely to experience sexual assault (Source: The New England Journal of Medicine). Thus, it is crucial that education boards across our country seriously consider integrating self-defense training into the school curriculum.

Let our girls grow with confidence, let them claim spaces fearlessly. It is time for our government and educational institutions to acknowledge this need and make essential amendments in the education system to protect our future generations. Please sign this petition to support this cause and be a part of creating a safer, more confident society for our girls.