On 4th – 5th May, Self-defense and mental health workshop was organized at Chhaya Center, Thamel by Sustainable Himalayan Foundation in collaboration with Sherpa For Change, Shanta Nepali Productions, YPEER-Nepal and HST Adventures. 51 women participants from different career, education, background participated in it.
On the first day, there was a workshop for mental health which was conducted by Dr. Mohamadad Alvi and Dr. Shabana Issa from UK who are specialists working and focusing on the mental health. They shared their knowledge and experiences about the importance of mental health, different mental health problems and its prevention and cure. The session was followed by inspiring story sharing session of Ms. Muna Nepali from Rakshya Nepal.The participants had an interactive session with them.
On the second day, the participants had workshop for self-defense. The trainers for it were International Self-Defense Instructor Mr. Krishna Thapa Magar (served in British Army for twenty-two years/the founder of Sustainable Himalayan Foundation/ 3rd Level Certified in defensive and mental health course) and Rajesh Rai (served in British Army for twenty-two years/ martial art specialist/ Founder of Gurkha Fitness and Education Center, ). The workshop consisted of practical session with the basic courses about the outdoor safety skills for the women of Nepal.
Engaging women for their own safety skills is one of the greatest challenges faced as they are incapable of the fact of their protection and safety. In order to benefit with such practical and effective techniques if one is capable to handle such complexities. In today’s busy life women don’t want to sit laid back looking after the household chores but rather work and sustain a dignified position in the society. In the present context of Nepal, rape cases and other harassments cases are increasing daily. Women need to step outside their homes to achieve outcomes such as education, job responsibilities and the daily livelihood activities.
Mental Health program can help in the implementation procedures to protect and care the person going through such illness. The vast knowledge and information can change the perspective and can help to contribute and improve the condition of people being affected by such conditions.
The workshop helped participants to learn through the versatile and practical approach. It engaged the participants to identify and build the effective measurements about their concern.