Aiming for equality. (Scan).

Every year, feminists across the nation hold "Take Back the Night" marches to protest violence committed by men against women. They march, hand out brochures denouncing the "cultural ideology" of violence, and hold speak-ins. But do they do anything to help women protect themselves in a hostile world?

Hardly. Because that could involve arming women--something utterly unpalatable to most liberal feminists. They would rather fight off would-be rapists with pamphlets and sit-ins.

Earlier this year, the Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty and the Second Amendment Sisters sponsored a more practical effort to protect women. They launched a beginner's gun class for women. Since its inception, the "Patriettes" program has trained graduates in the basics of firearm safety and range shooting. The program also helps women apply for concealed-carry gun permits.

No amount of marching will change the basic biological differences that create an asymmetric physical relationship between women and men--who generally have greater upper body strength. Guns, however, can be "the great equalizer," as one of the Patriettes trainers emphasizes during classes.

The sponsors hope to expand the Patriettes ...