Bhubaneswar, April 9: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday launched a self-defence training programme for 5,000 women Self Help Group (SHG) members in its pilot phase at Mission Shakti Bhawan here, in the presence of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women (NCW).
Addressing the gathering, Parida said, “Empowering women is not limited to financial independence; it must also ensure their safety, dignity and confidence. This self-defence training programme will equip our SHG women with the strength and skills to move fearlessly, take independent decisions and actively participate in economic activities.”
Speaking on the occasion, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar emphasised the importance of institutional support for women’s safety and capacity building.
She stated that initiatives like these play a crucial role in enabling women to become self-reliant and confident, while contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.
The programme, implemented by the Department of Mission Shakti in partnership with NCW, aims to provide self-defence and personal safety training to SHG women. In the pilot phase, it will cover 5,000 members across five districts - Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar and Ganjam. The initiative seeks to enhance women’s mobility, ensure safer participation in market linkages, and strengthen the foundation of women-led development in the state.
The event was attended by Shobhna Mohanty, Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Women, Mansi Nimbhal, Secretary, Mission Shakti Department, and Shailendra Kumar Jena, Additional Secretary, Mission Shakti Department, along with other senior officials and stakeholders.
