By The South Asia Times

PESHAWAR– To empower young women and raise awareness against gender-based violence, the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police, organized a two-day self-defense training for 40 female students from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) and the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) Peshawar. 

The training was held at SBBWU and was part of Consulate’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, according to statement.

Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Rob Tate addressed the participants at the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner SBBWU Peshawar. 

“Self-defense is crucial for everyone regardless of gender or location. This training underscores our commitment to empowering women and ensuring their safety so that they can thrive and contribute positively to the society, ” said PAO Tate.

The hands-on training was led by the Regional Security Officer of the consulate, Rory Kennedy, alongside female officers from the KP Police Department. 

The program aims to equip participants with essential self-defense skills, enabling them to train their peers and other young women in their communities.

This initiative is a joint effort of the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner Peshawar and Lincoln Corner Peshawar, both part of a network of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan that serve as vital forums for Pakistani youth to learn, innovate, and explore

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. This self-defense training is a step towards building a safer and more inclusive community for all.