Kozhikode: As part of efforts to ensure workplace safety for women employees, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) has organised a self-defence training programme for its female workforce. The initiative is aimed at empowering women with the skills to protect themselves against rising incidents of abuse, particularly in the workplace. 

The training, conducted under the guidance of police-trained self-defence masters, was rolled out across the state for 1,702 women working in BEVCO outlets. A significant portion of this training—1,590 women—took place on Sunday. The programme’s goal is to equip women with the necessary skills to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations, with a particular focus on preventing workplace harassment and assaults.

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The training sessions were designed to teach various self-defence tactics that could help women combat different forms of aggression, including physical attacks and sexual harassment. It also focused on the proper ways to react and protect oneself from unexpected threats. The sessions included practical exercises, covering 20 different response techniques, and were conducted over a single day.

Harshita Attalluri, Managing Director of BEVCO, highlighted the importance of these self-defence skills in the workplace and stated that the initiative was a step towards fostering a safer environment for women. Training was provided across several districts, with over 100 women from BEVCO outlets in Kozhikode taking part. The training will continue in various regions, with upcoming sessions scheduled for the BEVCO headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Police personnel, including women police officers, took the lead in delivering the training, ensuring that all participants received the best guidance in handling potential threats. The programme is part of BEVCO's broader effort to address increasing concerns about violence against women, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that female workers are equipped to deal with challenges they might face in their daily work life.

The training sessions have been well-received by the participants, and more sessions are expected to be rolled out across other districts in the coming weeks.