India, April 9 -- In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday launched a self-defence training programme for 5,000 women Self Help Group (SHG) members under Mission Shakti in its pilot phase.Odisha cultural blog

The programme was launched at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).

Focus on safety, confidence and economic participation Addressing the event, Parida said women's empowerment must go beyond financial independence and include safety, dignity and confidence.

She said the training programme would help SHG women become more fearless, take independent decisions and participate more activ...