Unpleasant or even dangerous incidents often happen to women (and men as well). These can occur both in Estonia and abroad — kidnappings, harassment, sexual assault, or even loss of life. In such moments, stress levels are extremely high, and thinking clearly becomes very difficult.

An even worse situation is when a person is able to stay calm but simply doesn't know how to react — how to protect themselves, escape, or call for help. Self-defense is not just about physical strength; it also involves awareness, skills, and preparedness for different scenarios.

Unfortunately, these skills are not taught in most schools or families. Young people grow up believing that dangerous situations “don’t happen” or that they “happen to someone else.” In reality, anyone can find themselves in a situation where they need to protect themselves or another person.

Since the root of the problem lies in human behavior, it cannot be completely eliminated. However, people can be prepared for such situations. My proposal is to add mandatory self-defense courses to the national curriculum for both basic and upper secondary schools. These courses should include both mental preparation (risk awareness, self-confidence, the ability to call for help) and practical skills (escape and release techniques, first aid, and situation prevention).

When young people have the opportunity to acquire these skills at school, the likelihood increases that they will use them in real-life situations. A school-based approach ensures that everyone has access to the necessary resources — giving parents and the community greater confidence that their daughters and sons are better prepared.