A determined mother from Solihull who transformed her traumatic experience of being assaulted into a powerful global mission for women's safety is set to feature on BBC Dragons' Den this evening.
From Victim to Entrepreneur
Gulshen Bano, once viewed as an 'easy target' by thugs who threatened and attacked her, will stand before the Dragons in the first episode of the new series at 8pm on January 29. Her appearance represents a remarkable journey from victim to entrepreneur, driven by her determination to protect her children and empower women worldwide.
Military-Grade Training Transformed into Global Business
Following her assault, Bano trained in military-grade self-defence techniques and channeled her experience into creating Strike Back Self Defence. What began as personal protection has evolved into an international business with 15 franchises and 35 instructors operating across seven countries, including their newest license established in India.
"Strike Back exists because violence against women is not inevitable, and fear should never be the price anyone pays for simply living their lives," Bano explained. "Self defence is not about fighting, it's about awareness, boundaries, safety, and knowing how to respond when something doesn't feel right."
A Women-Led Approach to Safety Education
The organisation, which is women-led, focuses on practical self-defence skills designed to increase awareness, confidence, and personal safety for women and girls. Their training addresses real-world situations including:
- Street harassment and intimidation
- Travelling alone at night
- Young people commuting to and from school
- Everyday scenarios where personal safety might be threatened
Programmes teach both physical and verbal skills, emphasising prevention and education alongside practical response techniques.
Addressing a Critical Societal Issue
Bano's appearance on Dragons' Den comes at a time of growing concern about women's safety both in the UK and internationally. In England and Wales alone, violence against women and girls represents a significant proportion of recorded crime, with women disproportionately affected by:
- Domestic abuse and violence
- Sexual violence and assault
- Stalking and harassment
- Gender-based intimidation
Globally, statistics reveal that almost one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives like Strike Back.
Mainstreaming Women's Safety Conversations
"Bringing this conversation into the Den was about challenging the status quo and pushing women's safety into the mainstream," Bano stated. "Everything we do is rooted in prevention, education, and giving women and girls the belief that their safety matters."
The entrepreneur hopes her appearance will encourage viewers to understand the story behind Strike Back, the motivations that led to its creation, and the wider societal challenges it seeks to confront. Her mission extends beyond business success to creating meaningful change in how society approaches women's safety and empowerment.
As Strike Back continues its international expansion, Bano's journey from Solihull mother to Dragons' Den entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of how personal adversity can be transformed into positive action with global impact.
