Lahore, Pakistan – More than 2,500 adolescent girls across the Lahore Division are gaining vital self-defense skills through a new initiative launched by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore in collaboration with the Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA). The program, designed to empower young women and promote grassroots sports development, is currently underway in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, offering a structured approach to physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal safety. This large-scale effort reflects a growing recognition of the importance of equipping girls with the tools to navigate potential threats and build confidence.
The “Adolescent Self-Defence Workshops Program” isn’t simply about learning to fight; it’s about fostering a sense of agency and preparedness. Participants are learning practical combat skills, but likewise crucial situational awareness techniques and confidence-building exercises. The initiative addresses a critical need for accessible self-defense training, particularly in a region where concerns about safety and security are prevalent. The program’s focus on holistic development – encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being – sets it apart from traditional martial arts instruction. This UHS Lahore initiative aims to reach thousands more young girls in the near future.
The training is led by a team of experienced martial arts coaches, spearheaded by Anwar Mohiuddin, who also serves as President of the Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA). Alongside Mohiuddin are Abdullah Munir, Muhammad Shakil, Alizae Ijaz, Nimra Nadeem, Hanzla Mohiuddin, Sumaiyya Mohiuddin, Meerab Butt, Ahmed Ali, Mubashir Butt, Javeria, Ayesha Khalid, and Mian Abad. The curriculum, according to officials, integrates discipline, reflex development, controlled sparring, and core aspects of modern martial arts training. The emphasis is on creating a physically engaging and strategically enriching experience for the young athletes.
A Vision for Empowerment
The initiative has garnered strong support from government officials, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. According to UHS Vice Chancellor Ahsan Waheed Rathore, the program directly reflects Sharif’s vision to ensure every girl in Punjab is trained and skilled in self-defense. “Here’s a strong step toward building a safer, stronger, and more empowered society,” Rathore stated. The commitment from the highest levels of provincial government underscores the importance placed on this program and its potential impact.
Professor Dr. Sidrah Saleem, Director of the UHS Research and Development Center, emphasized the broader benefits of sports participation, particularly martial arts, for adolescent development. “Self-defence education is an essential component of adolescent development,” she said. “By initiating these workshops, UHS is investing in the future of our daughters, ensuring they grow with strength, confidence, and independence.” Saleem highlighted that the program aligns with UHS’s broader vision of youth empowerment, aiming to build resilience, courage, and leadership in the next generation.
Beyond Physical Skills: Building Confidence and Awareness
Mohiuddin, the chief trainer, believes martial arts offers more than just physical protection. “Martial arts is not merely a sport; it is a life-saving necessity,” he said. “Our mission is to make every girl strong, prepared, and confident.” The program’s success, he added, is evident in the overwhelmingly positive response from students, parents, and schools. Participants are reportedly demonstrating increased confidence and heightened situational awareness, skills that extend far beyond the training dojo.
The program’s impact isn’t limited to the physical realm. Instructors are focusing on building mental fortitude and teaching girls how to assess risks, trust their instincts, and assert themselves in potentially dangerous situations. This holistic approach aims to empower girls not just to defend themselves physically, but also to navigate challenging social dynamics and advocate for their own safety and well-being. The initiative is also fostering a sense of community among the participants, creating a supportive network where girls can share experiences and learn from one another.
Expanding the Reach
The initial phase of the program, involving over 2,500 students from 30 schools, has been hailed as a significant success. Educational institutions, parents, and community leaders have widely welcomed the initiative as a powerful grassroots effort to enhance adolescent safety and promote women’s empowerment. With continued support from UHS and PMAA, the program is expected to expand further across Punjab, reaching thousands more young girls in the coming months. Officials are exploring opportunities to replicate the model in other provinces as well, potentially creating a nationwide network of self-defense training programs for adolescent girls.
The expansion plans include training more instructors and developing a sustainable funding model to ensure the program’s long-term viability. UHS and PMAA are also exploring partnerships with local organizations and community groups to reach girls in underserved areas. The goal is to make self-defense training accessible to all girls in Pakistan, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location.
The success of this initiative highlights the growing demand for self-defense education among young women in Pakistan. As the program expands, it is expected to play a vital role in empowering girls, promoting gender equality, and creating a safer and more secure society for all. The next step for the UHS and PMAA collaboration is a formal evaluation of the initial program phase, with results expected to be released in early summer 2024, which will inform future expansion efforts.
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