Team Herald
MARGAO: In the wake of the nationwide outrage sparked by the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, a special meeting on women’s safety was convened in Benaulim. Local MLA Venzy Viegas organised the event, bringing together women from across the constituency to discuss safety concerns and propose solutions.
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During the meeting, Viegas unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing safety. He announced plans for a team of female volunteers to visit the local police station next week, allowing them to present their grievances directly to law enforcement. The Benaulim MLA also outlined the formation of special teams and cells within the constituency to raise awareness in schools and higher secondary institutions. Furthermore, Viegas revealed plans to launch a safety app for women within the next 60 days and create posters with strong deterrent messages to be displayed before the upcoming Chaturthi festival.
“We will organise similar meetings across the State and establish a robust mechanism for women to reach out and seek help,” Viegas said.
Auda Viegas, the convenor of Bailancho Ekvott (BE), addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of reporting incidents to the police. She stated, “Rape is a heinous crime, and the first step must always be to report it to the police immediately by calling 181, 112, or 100. While our laws are strong, their implementation often falls short. However, we cannot allow ourselves to be disheartened.”
The meeting emphasised the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure women’s safety in light of recent events. This initiative aligns with the recent launch of women’s safety dialogues in Goa by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its women leaders such as Varca Sarpanch Selu Fernandes.
