Self-defence classes for working women have become a priority at many institutions in the wake of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar hospital.

A sports gear company teamed up with Rotary Club of Siliguri, Uttorayon Believers, and City Centre, a mall in Siliguri to host a training session on self-defence for the female staff in the mall.

In Cooch Behar, the district police organised a workshop for the private security personnel posted in the local medical college.

At City Centre in Matigara on the northern outskirts of Siliguri, Debasish Dhali, a well-known karate expert, gave lessons to women working in retail stores, customer service staff, security personnel and housekeeping.

Dhali said the primary objective was to enhance the confidence of the women staff and equip them with the ability to protect themselves in case of emergencies, particularly while working late shifts or dealing with challenging situations.

“We trained the participants in some basic techniques of self-defence. We also taught them about physical fitness. Along with them, some junior doctors and nurses of a private healthcare institution attended the training,”
he said.

In all, around 200 women joined the session.

“We plan to organise more such workshops. It is crucial for women to feel safe, especially in work environments where they may face potential risks. These sessions help instil confidence and provide basic skills that can be a lifeline in critical moments,” added Dhali, associated with Kaizen Karate-do Association, India.

Anita Mittal, president of the Rotary Club of Siliguri, Uttorayon Believers, said participants were taught a variety of techniques, including how to break free from a hold, how to use everyday objects as self-defence tools, and the importance of being aware of their surroundings.

“The session stressed practical skills over complicated moves, ensuring that participants can easily perform the lessons learned,” Mittal said.

Riya Gharami, a participant, said the training was helpful. “The workshop was an eye-opener. We could learn simple yet effective ways to defend ourselves. I feel more confident now,” she said.

In Cooch Behar, the district police organised a daylong workshop for private security personnel and supervisors at the MJN Medical College and Hospital.

The workshop was held at the district police lines. “It is an orientation programme where they were taught how to be vigilant, how to monitor CCTV cameras, how to handle family members of patients if they resort to protests and similar situations,” said a police officer.

Souradip Roy, the medical superintendent and vice-principal of the medical college, said 57 private security personnel were posted at the healthcare establishment. “Of them, 34 joined the workshop on Thursday and 23 will join on Friday. We believe this workshop will help them better look after the safety of the college campus,” said Roy.