Team Herald
PANJIM: Non Governmental Organisations working for women’s welfare in the State have demanded to expedite the process of enactment of law against widow discrimination and eliminate harmful traditional practices.
Despite assurances in the State Legislative Assembly in March 2023, progress remains delayed. The State government must notify the draft bill for public scrutiny and prioritise its enactment using an inclusive approach.
At a joint meeting titled “Organisations Speak: Enforce Rights of Women” held at Panjim, representatives called for the State government and other stakeholders to address longstanding issues affecting women.
The other demand made by them are dedicated POCSO Courts to exclusively handle all cases involving child sexual abuse so as to facilitate quicker case disposal and timely compensation for victims of sexual violence; appointment of protection officers under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. Currently, Block Development Officers (BDOs) are handling these responsibilities, which hinders effective implementation.
They have demanded that the courts must implement strict monitoring of trials, reduce unnecessary adjournments, and adopt technological solutions like e-courts and virtual hearings to streamline processes. Also to make One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCs) operational and functional and accessible for women in distress.
The activists also demanded that the government establish shelter homes for HIV-affected women and ensure timely grants for NGO-run shelters to prevent disruptions in services for vulnerable women; to set minimum wages and guarantee labour rights for domestic workers and to address the adverse effects of tourism, including trafficking, escort services, derogatory advertisements, casino and other forms of gambling, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse.
Guarantee women’s equal property rights under all relevant laws and to stop all forms of discrimination and violence based on caste, religion, region, or sexual orientation.
Sabina Martins and Vaishali Revadkar, both from Bailancho Saad, Sangeeta Naik of WE, Auda Viegas of Bailancho Ekvott, Sr Nisha and Shanta of Domestic Workers Union) and Rashida Muzawar (The Goa Muslim Women’s Association) made valuable contributions.