Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday launched a self-defence training programme for 5,000 women Self Help Group (SHG) members under Mission Shakti in its pilot phase.

The programme was launched at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).

Focus on safety, confidence and economic participation

Addressing the event, Parida said women’s empowerment must go beyond financial independence and include safety, dignity and confidence.

She said the training programme would help SHG women become more fearless, take independent decisions and participate more actively in economic activities.

NCW backs institutional support for women’s safety

Rahatkar highlighted the need for institutional support systems to ensure women’s safety and capacity building.

She said such initiatives are vital in helping women become self-reliant, confident and active contributors to society and the economy.

Pilot to cover 5 districts across Odisha

The programme is being implemented by the Mission Shakti Department in partnership with the NCW.

In the pilot phase, 5,000 SHG women from five districts — Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar and Ganjam — will receive self-defence and personal safety training.

The initiative aims to improve women’s mobility, ensure safer market participation and strengthen women-led development in the state.

Senior officials attend launch event

The launch event was also attended by Shobhna Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women, Mission Shakti Commissioner-cum-Secretary Mansi Nimbhal, Additional Secretary Shailendra Kumar Jena and other senior officials.