Strong, Safe, and Unstoppable: How Girls Are Learning to Protect Themselves

In a world where young girls often face unseen dangers, knowledge is their best defense. But what happens when 91% of them have never received proper safety training?

With the incredible support of Black & Veatch Foundation, Pratthanadee Foundation set out to change that. In January 2025, we traveled to five schools across Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, and Sisaket provinces, equipping 565 girls with self-defense skills, awareness of their rights, and the confidence to stand up for themselves.

The result? A life-changing experience that turned fear into strength.

Facing the Facts: The Reality for Young Girls

Before stepping into the workshop, many girls didn’t know how to respond to dangerous situations. When we asked about their experiences, the numbers spoke for themselves:

🔹 75% had witnessed or experienced violence firsthand.
🔹 56% faced online dangers, from cyberbullying to harassment.
🔹 43% had encountered threats within their own schools.

For too long, these girls had navigated life unprepared—but not anymore.

More Than Just Safety—A Blueprint for Strength

The Prevention of Danger workshop wasn’t about creating fear—it was about creating powerful, informed, and self-reliant young women.

Through interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and expert guidance, these girls learned how to:

✅ Recognize and avoid threats before they escalate
✅ Use basic self-defense moves to protect themselves
✅ Stand up against bullying and harassment
✅ Understand their rights and where to seek help

For many, it was the first time they had ever learned how to protect themselves—and the impact was undeniable.

The Transformation: Knowledge is Power

📊 Before the workshop, the girls scored an average of 55% on safety awareness.
📊 Afterward? That number soared to 93%.

More than just statistics, these numbers represent a shift in mindset:

💪 99% of participants said they now understand how to avoid and respond to danger.
💪 98% feel confident handling violent situations.
💪 97% learned crucial safety skills they had never been taught in school.

What the Girls Had to Say

💬 "I never knew how to defend myself before, but now I feel prepared!"
💬 "The trainers were amazing! They made learning fun and gave us real skills we can use."
💬 "I feel stronger, braver, and more confident than ever."

The Heroes Behind the Mission: Black & Veatch Foundation

This workshop wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of Black & Veatch Foundation. Their commitment to empowering young women with education and safety skills has already changed the lives of 565 girls—and this is just the beginning.

Thanks to their generosity, more girls in Thailand are walking through life fearless, prepared, and unstoppable.

At Pratthanadee Foundation, we believe safety is a right, not a privilege. And thanks to Black & Veatch Foundation, that right is now a reality for hundreds of young girls.

Our programs are made possible through the generosity of supporters like you.
If this story moved you, please consider making a donation or becoming a sponsor.
👉 Your contribution can help transform the life of a girl who deserves a better future.