Heena and Arti learn the art of combat

250 girls from their neighbourhood participated in the self-defense classes organised by World Vision India in partnership with the Delhi police. The girls have learned different techniques to escape physical assault and the tools to confront and report harassment.

On the first day, we were sore from learning the moves,” says Arti, laughing. “After doing the course, my self-confidence improved. It gives me more confidence when I’m out of the house because I know how to handle myself.”

Harassment is one of many challenges girls and women face in Delhi, a sprawling city of 25 million people where there are problems of safety, vulnerability to violence and exploitation, pollution, and unsanitary or overcrowded living conditions. Families like Arti’s, who migrated from rural areas, struggle with a clash of cultural expectations and urban realities.

Empowered by sponsorship, girls in one Delhi neighborhood are overcoming poverty and trading child marriage for college textbooks.