Self-defence classes for women, courtesy NMMC

Now, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had decided to take things up a notch by launching a 15-day self-defence training programme by the end of the month. Trainers in the camp will equip women with techniques to use in dangerous situations and go through yoga sessions.

NMMC Mayor Sagar Naik, who initiated the idea, believes that training in self-defence will curtail the number of attacks and crimes against women. "After the brutal gang rape in Delhi, there is a growing feeling that equipping women with the capability to defend themselves could help to boost their confidence and enable them to protect themselves better.

Fighting back: Women participate in a self-defence camp that was organised by a political party at Sane Guruji School, Dadar yesterday. Pic/Neha Parekh

The laws against rape and molestation are going to be stringent in the near future, but these laws will be applicable only after a crime has happened. We want to ensure that attempts to outrage a woman's modesty are curtailed at first instance," Naik said.

He added that women will be trained in various defensive measures to be prepared for any emergency, especially during the late hours. "After training, we expect the women to be able to thwart any attack against their modesty," Naik said.

The corporation is currently mulling over roping in NGOs to ensure proper implementation of the programme. "We are still working on the structure of the programme, which is to be covered in 15 days. Initially, there will be only one centre and another seven centres will be opened across Navi Mumbai in future. We plan to involve NGOs in the programme to help with a proper implementation procedure. The NGOs will also assist in appointment of trainers," said an NMMC official on condition of anonymity.

Asked about when the programme is likely to start, Naik said, "It is going to take around two weeks to finalise the structure of the programme. Later, a proposal to start the training centre will be approved by the General Body of the corporation. So we expect the training centre to be open by February end." u00a0