DHANGADHI: Women and teenage girls are uniting for self defence training in the wake of growing violence directed at them.

Enthusiastic participation could be seen at a self defence camp organised here at the initiation of National Goju-ryu Karate-Do Association.

Goma Acharya, a participant, said the camp was organised to enable women for self defence. “It is a new practice to enable us to protect ourselves in case of misbehaviour and attack. So, I joined it."

She further argued that the camp would make women physically fit to brave any assault. It is an exercise for women -- who are discouraged to speak aloud and protest in society -- to be bold, she asserted.

As many as 100 outstanding performers in the camp would be made trainers.

There are nearly 1,000 women participating in the camp, which will continue for a week. Deputy Mayor of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, Sushila Mishra Bhatt said, “This exercise teaches the women and girls to kick properly so that they can ensure their safety.”

Similarly, Basanti Chaudhary of Women Rights Defenders’ Network, Dhangadi Chapter, observed, “This training is aimed at developing skills to ensure self defence and chase away anyone who misbehaves and make ill attempts at girls and women.”

The camp -- which first paid tribute to the late Nirmala Panta by observing one-minute silence -- was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Province 7, Trilochan Bhatta.