The Mahila Atma Raksha Samiti (Bengali: মহিলা আত্মরক্ষা সমিতি, 'Women's Self-Defense Association, abbreviated MARS) was a women's movement in Bengal, India.
[1][3] Calcutta was filled with women fleeing from famine in the country-side, becoming prey for sexual exploitation (either sent to military camps or lured or forced into prostitution in the city).
[3] MARS had its origin in the Congress Mahila Sangha, formed in Calcutta in 1939 with the objective to prepare for defense against a Japanese occupation of Bengal.
[5] MARS supported the struggle for Indian independence, instructed women in self-defense, warned against fascism, demanded release of political prisoners and sought to defend the population from starvation.
[7] "By the time Tebhaga started, a critical factor had been at work that had prepared both urban and rural women in Bengal for participation in peasant struggle.
"[8] In 1947, the name of the organisation was changed to Paschim Bangha Mahila Atma Raksha Samti (পশ্চিমবঙ্গ মহিলা আত্মরক্ষা সমিতি, 'West Bengal Women's Self-Defense Association').