In 2022, Zeenat Welfare Foundation organized its very first community initiative: a Self-Defense Camp for Girls in the Ishkoman region of District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan.
This one-week program brought together around 40 young girls between the ages of 13 and 18, providing them with a safe and empowering space to learn essential self-defense skills. Professional trainers from District Hunza — nationally trained martial arts instructors Neeha Nadeem and Shakira — were invited to conduct the sessions and guide the participants throughout the training.
This camp was a historic initiative for the region, as no such structured self-defense training program for girls had ever been organized in the tehsil before. During the week, participants learned practical techniques to protect themselves, build confidence, and develop physical awareness. The camp also emphasized the importance of personal safety, discipline, and self-confidence.
The program received overwhelming appreciation from the community. Local leaders, respected guests, and community members attended the closing ceremony and praised the initiative for empowering young girls in the region. Participants expressed great enthusiasm and shared positive feedback, highlighting how valuable and inspiring the training had been for them. Many also encouraged the foundation to organize similar programs in the future.
This first initiative not only empowered the participants but also helped introduce Zeenat Welfare Foundation to the wider community, marking the beginning of a journey of youth-led programs focused on empowerment, education, and social development in remote areas.
