Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday inaugurated a self-defence training programme for 5,000 members of women Self Help Groups (SHGs) at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Odisha capital.
The launch of the first-of-its-kind initiative took place in the presence of National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mission Shakti and the NCW, aims to equip SHG women with essential self-defence skills, boosting their confidence, personal safety, and ability to participate more actively in public and economic spheres. An MoU for the partnership was signed earlier by NCW officials and Mission Shakti representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, said that true empowerment extends beyond financial independence. “Empowering women is not limited to financial independence; it must also ensure their safety, dignity and confidence. This self-defence training programme will equip our SHG women with the strength and skills to move fearlessly, take independent decisions and actively participate in economic activities,” she said.
The NCW Chairperson emphasised the importance of institutional support for women’s safety and capacity building. She stated that initiatives like these play a crucial role in enabling women to become self-reliant and confident, while contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.
The pilot phase will initially cover 5,000 SHG members across five districts — Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, and Ganjam — with structured workshops focused on practical self-defence techniques and safety awareness. The initiative seeks to enhance women’s mobility, ensure safer participation in market linkages, and strengthen the foundation of women-led development in the state.
The programme, implemented by the Department of Mission Shakti in partnership with NCW, aims to provide self-defence and personal safety training to SHG women. In the pilot phase, it will cover 5,000 members across five districts – Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar and Ganjam.
Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women Shobhna Mohanty; Mission Shakti Commissioner-cum-Secretary Mansi Nimbhal; and Additional Secretary Shailendra Kumar Jena, among others, were present.
