Guardian Girls Pencak Silat - About | Guardian Girls International

Pencak Silat is a traditional martial art originating from Indonesia and widely practiced throughout Southeast Asia. More than a combat system, Pencak Silat combines self-defense techniques, physical fitness, mental discipline, cultural traditions, artistic movement, and moral values.

For centuries, Pencak Silat has been used to develop character, respect, self-confidence, and community spirit. Today, it is practiced as a martial art, cultural heritage, competitive sport, and educational tool in dozens of countries around the world under the leadership of the International Pencak Silat Federation.

In 2019, Pencak Silat was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and contribution to education, social cohesion, and the transmission of traditional values.

Guardian Girls Pencak Silat (GGPS) is a global project of GGI developed in partnership with the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) to empower and safeguard women and girls through Pencak Silat while promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence. Officially launched in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 18, 2026, GGPS works through IPSF’s national member federations and Guardian Girls national committees to deliver instructor training, leadership development, safeguarding education, and community programs. By combining the values of Pencak Silat with women’s empowerment initiatives, GGPS supports the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) while promoting and preserving Pencak Silat as a living cultural heritage.

International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) is the world governing body for Pencak Silat. Founded on March 11, 1980, in Jakarta, Indonesia, IPSF is responsible for the international development, promotion, and governance of Pencak Silat worldwide.

IPSF works with its national member federations across more than 60 countries to organize international championships, develop technical standards, certify officials, and expand participation in the sport. It also promotes the cultural and educational values of Pencak Silat while supporting its recognition and growth within the global sports community.

Headquartered at the Padepokan Pencak Silat Indonesia in Jakarta, IPSF plays a leading role in preserving and advancing Pencak Silat as both a traditional cultural heritage and a modern international sport. The organization is currently led by Prabowo Subianto as President.

- Promoting GGI and WVVF’s core values, culture, and mission through the GGV project, reinforcing its global relevance as a martial art that empowers and uplifts communities;

- Combating violence against women and girls (VAWG) by providing accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive self-defense training rooted in Vovinam principles;

- Enhancing the physical and mental well-being of women and girls through the implementation of a structured and holistic GGV curriculum;

- Fostering leadership, confidence, and personal agency among women and girls within both the martial arts community and society at large;

- Creating safe and supportive learning environments by integrating gender-sensitive instruction and investing in capacity building within National Federations;

- Promoting gender inclusion and equal participation of women and girls across all levels of Vovinam practice, leadership, and representation within WVVF structures.