Taapsee, Malaika urge women to take up self-defence

Mumbai March 8 (IANS) Actresses Taapsee Pannu and Malaika Arora on International Women s Day have encouraged women to be strong and take up self-defence classes to protect themselves and feel empowered.

Taapsee who has featured in strong roles in films like "Pink" and "Naam Shabana is associated with #StandStrong - Women s Horlicks latest digital campaign to encourage women to take up self-defence

Taapsee said: "Women are breaking out from boundaries today and while they do that their bodies need to keep up. With the right nutritional support offered by Women s Horlicks we all can equip our bodies with the physical strength to be able to take care of ourselves. I have always inspired women to take up self-defence which can instil confidence in women to tackle any situation should it arise when one s own security is being threatened.

"I think a change always starts with small steps and through the #StandStrong campaign I urge all women to empower themselves with self-defence for a stronger you."

Malaika has spoken out in support of Reebok s Bruises can be good experiment.

"Today women have risen beyond the ordinary and made a strong mark for themselves in every role they undertake. Boundaries and walls no longer limit our spirit and strength. In fact they are a stimulus to undo the status quo.

"‘Bruises are good is a strong stance on women empowerment. It redefines our lens of viewing gender roles and show how determined women are in today s day and age. I have always been a supporter of women empowerment and more importantly women standing up and rooting for each other. This Women s Day join me as I sign Reebok s petition to make self-defence classes a reality for all young girls " Malaika said.

The campaign unravels existing societal insights on violence and assault. It highlights through a special video how most people perceive bruises and marks on women to be a result of violence.

Reebok has made a petition on Change.org to make self-defence a mandatory part of school and college curriculum for female students. The aim is to send the petition to the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

--IANS
rb/bg