MukkaMaar Empowers 14,000 Girls in Mumbai and Delhi

In 2016, a disturbing documentary about the rape of a five-year-old girl left Versova-based actor Ishita Sharma shaken. At the time, Sharma was experimenting with martial arts, which had helped her become stronger and more confident. This incident prompted her to start self-defence classes on Versova beach with five girls.

The initiative has since grown into a full-fledged organisation, MukkaMaar, which works with over 100 government schools across Mumbai and Delhi. MukkaMaar's programmes empower girls in Classes 6, 7, and 8 with self-defence, confidence, and life skills through a three-year programme.

According to Ishita Sharma, founder and CEO of MukkaMaar, the programme equips girls to prevent violence, navigate challenges, and build emotional resilience. The organisation is also working with state governments to reform the curriculum and improve the way self-defence is taught.

The programme provides girls with twice-weekly training in self-defence and fitness, along with verbal and emotional skills and critical thinking around gender stereotypes. MukkaMaar focuses on the importance of the facilitator-student relationship and ensures that facilitators are equipped to guide discussions on self-defence without imposing their own biases.

MukkaMaar's fellowship and trainer programmes are highly rigorous, with only one in 10 applicants making it through the screening process. The organisation invests significant time in training its fellows, with up to 400 hours of training per year.

Actor Richa Chadha supports MukkaMaar's mission, stating that it is imperative for girls to learn how to be strong and defend themselves against attacks. MukkaMaar's work is crucial in a country where violence against females is a significant issue.

MukkaMaar's growth from five girls at Versova beach to 14,000 across Mumbai and Delhi is a testament to the organisation's dedication to empowering girls through self-defence and life skills. The organisation's mission is to create a safer and more equitable society for girls and women.

In the context of India's large adolescent girl population, MukkaMaar's work is particularly important. With around 17 million adolescent girls studying in schools across India, the organisation's programmes have the potential to make a significant impact.

MukkaMaar's approach to empowerment through self-defence is holistic and comprehensive, addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of girls. The organisation's commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for girls to learn and grow is commendable.

In conclusion, MukkaMaar's work in empowering girls through self-defence and life skills is vital in creating a safer and more equitable society. The organisation's dedication to its mission and its holistic approach to empowerment make it an important player in the field of girls' education and empowerment.