The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Workshop on self-defence for women

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Thursday, Dec 18, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Workshop on self-defence for women

Staff Reporter

ADP India employees taught 10 to 15 techniques at a workshop

- Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Fighting fit: A woman learning self-defence techniques at a workshop organised by ADP India in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: It was a workshop with a difference. For women employees of Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP), Wednesday saw them trying arms twists and punches and getting geared up for any eventuality. ADP conducted a self-defence workshop for its women associates to instil a sense of security among them.

Amidst peals of laughter, trainer K. Narsing Rao showed the women some simple tricks to tackle an attacker.

The latent fear among women came to the forefront at the workshop as they brought up scenarios they might face on a daily basis. “What do I do if I am surrounded by four men in an MMTS?” questioned an employee at the workshop, while others asked how to tackle a chain snatcher or any sort of sexual harassment.

Initially, most women were apprehensive about implementing the techniques being taught. But soon apprehension turned into confidence as they tried the tricks. “No one here has ever tried these techniques or were even aware that they could try them out, but now they are a little confident that they are capable of defending themselves,” said Mr. Narsing.

From arm twists to punches, the employees were taught 10 to 15 self defence techniques. While some techniques were easily learnt (such as arm and wrist twists), others were a little complicated requiring practice.

The employees were also curious to know which the ‘weak’ parts of a man were. Though the question evoked guffaws from them, they were quite intrigued to know that just by twisting the thumb; one could easily overpower the attacker.

Confidence vital

“I think women need to feel internally confident and secure and such techniques would teach us the knack of protecting ourselves,” says Meetu Aurora, an employee. Others like Swarnambika felt that such workshops and classes should be conducted regularly.

“The recent acid attack on women has left us feeling insecure. This workshop teaches us simple hand tricks to defend ourselves. A little bit of practice and am sure I can defend myself,” she said. The workshop was inaugurated by Shakti Sagar, Managing Director, ADP India, who said that the company was focused on diversity and gender inclusion.

“The empowerment and enrichment of our women associates is a continuous focus and the workshop on self-defence techniques is another step towards this objective,” he said.

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