Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday launched a self-defence training programme for 5,000 women Self Help Group (SHG) members under the state’s Mission Shakti, marking a significant push towards enhancing women’s safety and confidence.
The programme was formally inaugurated at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
Addressing the gathering, Parida emphasised that women’s empowerment must extend beyond financial independence to include safety, dignity and self-confidence. She noted that the initiative would enable SHG members to become more fearless, make independent decisions and participate more actively in economic activities.
Rahatkar underscored the importance of institutional support systems in ensuring women’s safety and capacity building. She said such initiatives are crucial in enabling women to become self-reliant, confident and active contributors to society and the economy.
The programme is being implemented by the Mission Shakti Department in collaboration with the National Commission for Women.
In its pilot phase, 5,000 SHG women from five districts—Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar and Ganjam—will undergo training in self-defence and personal safety techniques.
The initiative aims to enhance women’s mobility, ensure safer participation in markets and strengthen women-led development across the state.
The launch event was also attended by Shobhna Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women, Mission Shakti Commissioner-cum-Secretary Mansi Nimbhal, Additional Secretary Shailendra Kumar Jena and other senior officials.
