The Zonta Club of The New Territories II, Hong Kong, partnered with Battalion Thai Boxing, a Hong Kong social enterprise, to offer a special self-defense workshop for women and girls as part of our “16 Days of Activism – Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.

In this workshop, participants learn basic postures and movements, practical defense skills such as blocking, evasion and dodging, and simple counterattack techniques like punching and kicking. These are not just physical skills – they build confidence, body awareness and a stronger sense of personal boundaries, which are key life skills for preventing and resisting gender-based violence in everyday life. This echoes Zonta’s vision of a world where no woman lives in fear of violence and where women can achieve their full potential free from harm.

What makes this project truly special is who is teaching. Battalion (Elite SE) is a social enterprise founded to empower at-risk and underprivileged youths through Thai boxing in Hong Kong. With the income from regular classes, they sponsor young people to train, improve their physical and mental well-being, and eventually develop a positive life path – including a career as Thai boxing coaches who, in turn, help others in need. Battalion’s philosophy is “helping people to help themselves,” building a more caring and harmonious community.

Many of these young coaches could have been on a very different path – one where frustration, marginalization and lack of support might have led to becoming perpetrators of violence, including violence against women. Instead, through mentorship, sports discipline and opportunities, they are becoming role models: men who respect women, stand against abuse, and actively empower women by teaching them to protect themselves.

By bringing women, girls and empowered youth coaches together on the mat, this project tackles violence from two sides: it strengthens the voice, agency and safety of women and girls, while also transforming young men who might otherwise be at risk into allies and champions in the fight to end violence against women.