Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Experts Push for Mandatory Self-Defence Training in Schools
Experts are calling for self-defence training to be made mandatory in schools, especially for girls.
They argue that self-defence is a crucial life skill that builds confidence and preparedness.
Countries like China and Singapore already include such training in their education systems.
However, experts emphasize that self-defence alone is not enough; boys must also be educated on consent and respect to prevent violence.
Schools need certified instructors and structured timetables to implement this effectively.
The goal is to create a safer society where everyone understands the importance of personal safety and respect.
Experts advocate for mandatory self-defence training in schools to empower girls and ensure their safety.
Countries like China and Singapore have successfully integrated self-defence into their education systems.
Self-defence training should be a structured program delivered by qualified instructors, not just occasional workshops.
Educating boys on consent, respect, and emotional regulation is crucial to preventing violence.
Schools need certified instructors, structured timetables, and policy support to implement self-defence training effectively.
- Who
- Experts, educators, and advocates like Akshay Kumar, Amritha Chandra Raju, Farzaan Merchant, Dr. Prerna Kohli, and B. Jivitesh Reddy
- What
- The push for mandatory self-defence training in schools to empower girls and educate boys on consent and respect
- When
- Ongoing debate, with recent emphasis following incidents of violence against women
- Where
- India, with references to countries like China and Singapore that have integrated self-defence into their education systems
- Why
- To equip girls with the skills to protect themselves and to foster a society that understands consent, empathy, and respect
Proponents of Mandatory Self-Defence
Critics of Mandatory Self-Defence
Importance of Self-Defence
Proponents of Mandatory Self-Defence
Self-defence is a crucial life skill that builds confidence, situational awareness, and resilience, and should be integrated into the school curriculum.
Critics of Mandatory Self-Defence
Self-defence training should not be mandatory as it may create a false sense of security and does not address the root causes of violence.
Gender-Specific Training
Proponents of Mandatory Self-Defence
Girls should be taught self-defence to empower them and ensure their safety, while boys should be educated on consent and respect.
Critics of Mandatory Self-Defence
Focusing solely on girls for self-defence training places the burden of safety on them and ignores the need to address societal attitudes towards violence.
- Key Advocates
- Akshay Kumar, Amritha Chandra Raju, Farzaan Merchant, Dr. Prerna Kohli, B. Jivitesh Reddy
- Countries with Mandatory Training
- China, Singapore
- Recommended Training Duration
- At least two years of regular training
- Components of Self-Defence
- Situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, legal awareness, safe escape, confidence building
- Barriers to Implementation
- Lack of prioritization, certified instructors, structured timetables