Self Defence for 1000 young girls in Nagpur, India

The widespread Corona infections in the state of Maharashtra spurred lockdowns and curfews. As we write this, the district of Nagpur, where our project is located, is also affected and is under complete lockdown. Schools have been closed again and the trainers are facing difficulties to reach out to the girls. Some planned trainings have been cancelled and the girls' families are often not willing to let them participate in self-defence courses due to fear of contracting the virus.

Whenever possible, the trainers try to organise the trainings with a smaller number of girls, but it is not easy to find bigger spaces where the girls can keep enough distance from each other.

The trainers, Manisha and Anita, have switched to hybrid model for trainings which is best suited for the present situation. Whenever the circumstances allow, they organise either face-to-face or online trainings. They have already organised an online training on child abuse.

In the light of the current lockdown situation, Manisha and Anita are anxious if the worrisome trend of rising violence behind closed doors will return again. Manisha says, "We are in constant contact with the girls and are doing everything possible to make sure that they do not suffer in silence. We are working to provide online counseling sessions for girls who are facing challenging situations at home".

The trainers, we are sure, would be very grateful for any support that you could provide them.

Stay safe and healthy.

Regards,

Karuna Team