Girls learn taekwondo to protect themselves amid rising GBV cases

In response to the alarming rise in femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, young girls are being trained in Taekwondo as a self-defense measure to protect themselves.  

The initiative, led by Polycom Girls in partnership with UNFPA Kenya, was marked by a special self-defense and personal safety session held at Rowland Camp in Nairobi during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.  

The training, which attracted 120 girls, is part of a broader effort to empower adolescent girls and young women with practical skills to stay safe.

Jane Anyango, the founder of Polycom Girls, said the training is not just about self-defense but also about instilling confidence and encouraging girls to speak out against violence.  

“We are creating a space where girls can learn to take care of themselves, say no to violence, and advocate for their safety,” she said.  

The session was part of UNFPA Kenya’s ‘Sports for Protection’ program, which combines physical activity with lessons on personal safety and GBV awareness.  

“Through this initiative, young people learn how to protect themselves from violence while also becoming champions of change in their communities,” said Caroline Murgor, GBV and Gender Advisor for UNFPA Kenya.  

The need for such interventions has grown urgent, with data showing Kenya recorded 127 femicide cases last year and over 7,100 GBV cases reported since September 2023.  

Caroline Ambani, a Taekwondo coach specializing in self-defense, stressed that the training is not about aggression but empowerment.  

“Femicide is rampant. By equipping girls with self-defense skills, we can contribute to reducing these tragic cases. It’s crucial that they learn how to protect themselves and stay safe,” she said.  

Education institutions have also voiced their support for the initiative. Daniel Ochieng Maboso, a school representative, highlighted the challenges girls face, such as unsafe home environments and cultural barriers, noting that self-defense training should be included in school curriculums.  

While self-defense is proving to be an effective tool, UNFPA Deputy Representative Pilar de la Corte Molina stressed that long-term change must involve policy reforms, community engagement, and building safe environments for women and girls.  

“Every ten minutes, a girl or woman somewhere in the world dies at the hands of an intimate partner or as a result of GBV. While self-defense training builds confidence, the real solution lies in ensuring women and girls are treated equally,” she said.  

As calls grow louder for stronger interventions, the Taekwondo sessions are emerging as a powerful tool — not just for physical protection, but for empowering girls to reclaim their safety and independence.