Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL
The United States Consulate General in Peshawar, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police, organized a two-day self-defense training to empower young women and raise awareness about gender-based violence.
The training, held at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU), participated by 40 female students from SBBWU and the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences).
The initiative was part of the US consulate’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which focuses on creating safer environments and encouraging women to take control of their personal safety.
Public Affairs Officer at the US consulate Rob Tate addressed the participants at the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner at SBBWU a stressed upon the empowerment of women in practical life especially in fileds like self defence and other sports.
“Learning self-defense is a powerful tool for women to feel secure and confident in their daily lives. This training reflects our commitment to building a society where women can thrive and actively contribute to their communities,” said Tate.
The hands-on sessions were led by Rory Kennedy, the Regional Security Officer of the US. Consulate, along with experienced female officers from the KP Police Department. The training provided practical techniques for self-protection and emphasized the importance of sharing these skills with others to create a ripple effect in local communities.
The program was supported by the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner and Lincoln Corner Peshawar, part of a network of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan. These spaces provide learning and development opportunities for young people through workshops, resources and engagement programs.
The US. consulate general in Peshawar reaffirmed its dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in building safer, more inclusive communities.
The self-defense workshop marked another step in their ongoing efforts to support women across the region.
