At the Government College in Sector 46, a two-day workshop on karate got under way on Wednesday. The department has initiated the project as part of its women empowerment programme. The workshop was launched by the Institute of Computer and Finance Executives, Mohali, which has started ‘Project Shakti’ that readies women to defend themselves against one opponent in just six days of training.

Speaking on the occasion, Raji P Shrivastava, Director, Higher Education, stressed on the need for the empowerment of women with reference to women’s holistic development that includes social, cultural, economical, political, mental and spiritual development. “It means a woman’s realisation of her own capacities and power so that she can face challenges and overcome social and cultural barriers,” she said.

College principal Dr K S Saluja urged the girls to take part in the workshop and ensure that they do not lag behind as far as personal safety is concerned, to become totally independent, without any fear of being cornered, assaulted or overpowered at any stage. The workshop is being conducted by Rajiv Sinha, Director, World Body of Traditional Karate, Sensei.

While several schools in the city had already been providing such training, it is for the first time that such an initiative has been planned the colleges.

Apart from GC-46, several other colleges are holding workshops to provide self-defence training to girls. SD College principal A C Vaid said: “It is very important that girls learn some self-defence techniques.”