Ghashfool Shishu and Jubo Forum, a programme of World Vision Bangladesh, has organised a three-month karate training programme for women in Mymensingh's Nandail upazila where 33 girls from different educational institutions have joined to learn the art of self-defense.

The training is taking place at the Shomurta Jahan Mohila Degree College ground every Friday and Saturday and Mohammad Ashraful Islam, a blackbelt holder, is training the girls.

Sagor John Costa, manager of World Vision Bangladesh, Nandail Area Programme, said the training programme was initiated as part of the organisation's ongoing works to stop all kinds of violence perpetrated against women and children.

The official also said that with the training, the girls will not only learn some self-defense techniques but they will also become more assertive in life.

Romesh Kumar Partho, a senior journalist in Nandail, said such training will help the girls stand up to any sort of harassments and learn how to defend themselves if necessary.

Trainer Ashraful said the girls are taking part in the training progarmme with enthusiasm and courage and their performance is very impressive, saying, "I am satisfied with the girls' performances."

As part of the initiative, the girls will receive 24 classes without any cost, said the coach.

He also said that martial arts could be the catalyst that changes the age-old attitudes of society and this training could open up professional opportunities for the girls if they continue it with devotion and passion.

Expressing gratitude, Nusrat Jahan Sathi, a university-goer who is taking part in the training, said it is a great opportunity for girls from financially struggling families to receive such training for free and said how the training has already emboldened her.

Sneha Barman, another participant, was optimistic that this training programme will help them in self-defense if such a situation arises.

Advocate Nazrul Islam Chunnu, president of 'Human Rights Alliance' Mymensingh chapter, said in the prevailing social context, the girls are still considered weak and fall victim to oppression, repression and torture.

He lauded this training programme and said that the people must support such positive initiatives wholeheartedly.