A Woman’s Journey to Self-Defense and Resilience

It was a typical Dhaka evening. The streets were buzzing with life, vendors calling out their wares, and the sound of honking cars filling the air. Maya, a young university student, clutched her bag tightly as she walked down a crowded road. Like many women in Bangladesh, she had always felt a subtle unease in public spaces ; a discomfort that came from stories she had heard, experiences shared by friends, and her own encounters with eve teasing.

But today was different. Today, Maya wasn’t just another woman walking home. She was ready. She had spent months learning self-defense, determined not to be another statistic. And when a man suddenly grabbed her wrist in the dimly lit alley, Maya didn’t panic. She acted.

The First Move: Escaping the Grip

When the man grabbed her wrist, Maya instinctively remembered what her self-defense instructor had taught her.

1. Focus on the Weakest Point: She rotated her wrist toward his thumb, the weakest part of his grip.
2. Pull and Step Back: With a sharp motion, she yanked her hand free and stepped back, creating space between them.

She knew that hesitation could mean the difference between safety and danger. The man, surprised, hesitated just long enough for her to make her next move.

Finding Strength in Simplicity: The Palm Strike

Maya noticed the attacker lunging toward her again. She steadied herself and prepared for a palm strike.

1. Positioning the Palm: Keeping her hand open and fingers slightly bent, she thrust the heel of her palm upward.
2. Aim for the Nose or Chin: With force, she struck his nose, causing his head to jerk back.

The man staggered, clearly not expecting resistance. Maya had practiced this move countless times, and it paid off. The sharp pain disoriented him, giving her precious seconds to act further.

Breaking Free: The Knee Strike

As the man recovered, Maya felt him close the distance between them. But this time, she didn’t wait.

1. Grab and Balance: She grabbed his shoulders for support and lifted her knee.
2. Strike the Groin: With all her strength, she drove her knee into his groin.

The effect was immediate. The man collapsed, groaning in pain. Maya knew she couldn’t linger—this was her chance to escape.

Why Self-Defense Matters

For Maya, this wasn’t just about learning moves—it was about reclaiming her power. Women in Bangladesh face countless challenges, from online harassment to domestic violence; where self-defense offers more than physical protection. It builds confidence, awareness, and strength.

Realities in Bangladesh

• Eve Teasing: An all-too-common experience for women on the streets.
• Workplace Harassment: Many women deal with mental harassment in office or inappropriate behavior from colleagues.
• Domestic Violence: A sobering reality for many women behind closed doors.

Stories like Maya’s highlight why every woman should have access to self-defense training.

The Basics Every Woman Should Know

1. Wrist Release

Maya’s first move was breaking free from a wrist grab. Here’s how you can do it:

• Rotate your wrist toward the attacker’s thumb, the weakest part of their grip.
• Pull your hand sharply while stepping back to create space.

2. Palm Strike

A versatile move, effective in close quarters:

• Keep your fingers bent and use the heel of your palm to strike upward.
• Aim for the attacker’s nose or chin to cause disorientation.

3. Knee Strike

If the attacker is too close:

• Hold onto their shoulders or head for balance.
• Drive your knee forcefully into their groin or midsection.

4. Elbow Strike

For when the attacker grabs you from behind:

• Swing your elbow backward into their ribs or stomach.
• Alternatively, strike upward into their jaw or nose.

5. Foot Stomp

When grabbed from behind:

• Lift your foot and stomp hard on their instep.
• Use the moment of surprise to elbow them and escape.

Resources for Self-Defense in Bangladesh

Maya didn’t learn her moves overnight. She found local programs designed for women, including:

• Warrior Women Bangladesh: Focused on teaching practical martial arts techniques to combat harassment.
• KO Fight Studio: Offers workshops tailored to urban women facing real-world threats.

These programs teach more than just moves—they inspire the confidence to stand tall in the face of adversity.

The Legal Shield: Know Your Rights

Maya’s victory that night was possible because of her self-defense training. But she also understood the importance of the law. Women in Bangladesh are protected under:

• Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010: Addresses domestic violence and abuse.
• Labour Law, 2006: Ensures safety from harassment in office.
• Digital Security Act, 2018: Provides recourse for online harassment.

If you face harassment, document incidents, and seek help from organizations like Ain o Salish Kendra or BNWLA.

Tools for Everyday Protection

While self-defense moves are powerful, additional tools can provide an extra layer of safety:

1. Safety Apps: Maya downloaded bSafe to alert friends in emergencies.
2. Pepper Spray: A compact tool for disarming attackers quickly.
3. Personal Alarms: To draw attention if she feels threatened.

These tools, combined with self-defense techniques, make women like Maya unstoppable.

Mental Strength is Key

Maya’s story is a testament to the power of mental preparation. Self-defense isn’t just about physical moves—it’s about:

• Staying Aware: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, act on it.
• Building Confidence: Regular practice builds muscle memory, making your responses quicker and more effective.
• Breaking the Silence: Sharing your story can inspire others to take action.

The Day Maya Fought Back

Maya’s journey didn’t end with her escape. She reported the incident, sought support from her community, and became an advocate for women’s safety. Today, she teaches self-defense to other women in her neighborhood, ensuring they, too, feel empowered to stand their ground.

Her story is a reminder that every woman has the strength to fight back. With the right training, tools, and mindset, no one can take that power away.

Take Control of Your Safety Today

Like Maya, you can rewrite your story. Start by learning the basics, finding local self-defense programs, and arming yourself with knowledge and tools. Safety isn’t just a necessity—it’s your right.

Remember: The goal isn’t to fight—it’s to protect, survive, and shine. Stand tall, be prepared, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a safer world for women everywhere.

Written by-
Sabia Khan Aurora