Is self defence necessary in india now ??

Is self defence necessary in india now ?? Everyday we hear so many incidents where the gundas are ruling over every one in India, especially us women who are defenceless many a time. Has the time come now that it has become necessary for everyone to learn self defence. In many places in the world it has been taught nearly to everyone in a form of Karates or Judos, The women in the subcontinent that includes India, Pakistan and Bangladesh no such things are taught for women to defend themselves, Do you think it is time now that the women also learnt these tacts to face any un-necessary mishaps ???