Gulshen Bano was threatened and attacked by thugs who saw her as an ‘easy target’ – now she’s featuring on Prime-TV with her self-defence businessBirmingham Live Reporter Anisah Vasta Tries Out A Self-defence Class For Women
A Solihull mum who was once seen as an ‘easy target’ by thugs will star on BBC Dragons’ Den tonight with her business aiming to keep women and girls safe.
Determined to protect her children after being assaulted and threatened herself, mum Gulshen Bano trained in military grade self-defence and now teaches others through her business, Strike Back Self Defence.
At 8pm today, January 29, the entrepreneur will stand before the Dragons on the first episode of the new series, sharing her mission to expand self-defence education world-wide.
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Strike Back already has 15 franchises and 35 Instructors operating across seven countries, with its newest license being established in India as expansion continues.
Gulshen said: “Strike Back exists because violence against women is not inevitable, and fear should never be the price anyone pays for simply living their lives.
“Self defence is not about fighting, it’s about awareness, boundaries, safety, and knowing how to respond when something doesn’t feel right.
Gulshen Bano appearing on Dragons’ Den with her global mission for women and girls
“Everything we do is rooted in prevention, education, and giving women and girls the belief that their safety matters.
“Bringing this conversation into the Den was about challenging the status quo and pushing women’s safety into the mainstream.”
Her organisation is women-led and focuses on teaching women and girls practical self defence skills designed to increase awareness, confidence, and personal safety.
Strike Back’s training focuses on real-world situations faced every day, from street harassment and travelling alone at night to young people making their way to and from school.
Programmes are designed to teach both physical and verbal skills, centred on how to stay safe and how to respond if personal safety is threatened.
The appearance comes at a time of growing concern around safety in both the UK and internationally.
Gulshen Bano trained in military grade self-defence and now teaches women and girls
In England and Wales, violence against women and girls represents a significant proportion of recorded crime, with women disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and harassment.
Globally, almost one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Gulshen added: “I hope people will tune in and watch Dragon’s Den on 29 January to see how the conversation unfolds, understand the story behind Strike Back, the motivations that led to its creation, and the wider societal challenge it seeks to confront.”