Don't know the context here, but to me it looks like that comment simply suggests teaching self defense to a victim of physical violence. Knowing some self defense is generally a good idea, especially if someone has a higher risk / history of being physically attacked. And if your attacker is a woman of course you still need to defend yourself.
That's not the same as teaching boys to hit girls, and I don't think that's the point the comment was trying to make.
Another point I think I have to make: hitting back is not the same as self defense, it is retaliation, and not something we should teach children.