Schoolgirls to be given self-defence training under ‘Pyari Beti’ project

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) is set to broaden the scope of its adolescent health initiative, Pyari Beti, by reaching out to schoolgirls across Punjab and equipping them with practical skills, including self-defence training.

UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore has directed his team to collaborate with the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, and Social Welfare Department to extend the initiative’s reach to girls aged 10 to 19 years. Prof Rathore emphasised that the expansion will begin with a pilot project in Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Sialkot, targeting schools in both low- and high-income areas. UHS teams will visit these schools, gathering data on the challenges faced by girls. This data will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive support strategy focusing on three key areas: education, health and psychological well-being, and self-defence training.

‘This initiative is about more than just awareness—it’s about empowering girls to navigate adolescence with confidence,’ said Prof Rathore. ‘By reaching out to schools across Punjab, we will ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, has access to the guidance and support she needs’, he added. The initiative will also include national and international collaborations to bring in the best expertise for the programme. Additionally, a network of health volunteers will be formed in hospitals to provide girls with easy access to healthcare services. ‘In addition to providing health education, we want young girls to feel safe and empowered,’ Prof Rathore said. ‘Self-defense training will help them to build confidence and learn how to protect themselves.’