Women’s Self-Defence takes Centre Stage in Dragon’s Den Premiere

Women’s safety will be at the forefront in the first episode of the new series of Dragon’s Den as Gulshen Bano talks about her organisation, Strike Back Self Defence.

The women-led organisation spotlights its mission to equip women and girls with practical self-defence skills.

Founded by Bano, Strike Back Self Defence aims to build confidence, awareness, and real-world safety skills.

During the episode, the West Midlands-based entrepreneur outlines the organisation’s purpose and its ambition to expand self-defence education across international communities.

Bano explained: “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.

“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.”

Training focuses on everyday situations, including street harassment, travelling alone at night, and children commuting to and from school.

Strike Back’s programmes combine physical techniques with verbal strategies, teaching participants how to assess danger, set boundaries, and respond when safety feels compromised.

The organisation’s upcoming Dragon’s Den appearance comes amid growing public concern about violence against women in the UK and worldwide.

In England and Wales, women remain disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and harassment.

Globally, almost one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Strike Back’s international footprint continues to grow, with its newest licence established in India and operations spanning seven countries.

The organisation now runs 15 franchises and works with 35 instructors, reflecting rising demand for accessible, prevention-focused safety education across diverse regions.

Bano 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.”

Bano remains a prominent women’s safety advocate, using education and entrepreneurship to address violence against women.

Her work positions personal safety not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right supported through skills, knowledge, and community engagement.

The episode airs on January 29, 2026, at 8 pm on BBC One.