Team Herald
PANJIM: While gender discrimination, unequal pay, and workplace harassment remain persistent challenges, many women in Goa have risen above these barriers, making massive contributions to society, and life a little fairer for all women. On International Women's Day, O Heraldo spoke to some of these inspiring women, whose relentless efforts have shaped policies, uplifted communities, and paved the way for greater gender equality in the State.
Dr Sabina Martins: Championing women’s
rights through Bailancho Saad
A founding member of Bailancho Saad, a voluntary organisation advocating women’s rights since 1986, Dr Sabina Martins has been at the forefront of several policy changes in Goa. Under her leadership, Bailancho Saad successfully fought for:
The extension of the Dowry Prohibition Act to Goa in 1986
The Goa Children's Act, 2005 and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
The establishment of the first all-women’s police station after a decade-long struggle
“We fought and set many policy decisions right,” Martins said, recalling how the group pressured the government into forming a screening committee to prevent the portrayal of women as sex objects during Carnival floats. Their protests also led to action against derogatory advertisements and the discouragement of Goa being promoted as a “land of vices.”
Pratima Dhond:
Banking on women’s
economic empowerment
Pratima Dhond, the Chairperson of Women’s Co-operative Bank Limited, has played a key role in financial literacy and independence for Goan women. Starting in 1991 as a board director, she and her team conducted awareness drives in villages, encouraging women to become financially independent.
“We showed them that even a small income of their own brings happiness and confidence. Today, I see vast improvement in women’s financial independence in Goa,” Dhond noted.
Her efforts in economic empowerment expanded further when she joined the women’s wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in the early 2000s, helping organise camps and training programmes to support less privileged women. Today, she serves as the Vice President of GCCI, further influencing industrial development and women’s participation in business.
Cecille Rodrigues: Empowering women
and children through dance
A renowned dancer and activist, Cecille Rodrigues made waves as the first runner-up in Dance India Dance (2013). Her Encore Academy of Performing Arts, founded four years ago, has expanded to Margao and Mapusa, teaching dance to students and professionals.
She also integrates performing arts into 30 schools across Goa, promoting both Indian classical and international dance styles. “I feel women should be given encouragement and a platform to build their career. Women should get more exposure and have access to skill-based learning, so they can be independent and stand on their own feet,” she emphasised.
Auda Viegas: Fighting for
justice and protection
From teacher to social worker, Auda Viegas has dedicated over three decades to advocating for the safety of women and children in Goa, particularly in criminal cases. As the founder of Bailancho Ekvott, she played a crucial role as the whistle-blower in the infamous Mahanand Naik serial killing case.
Until November 2024, she was the Administrator of the Sakhi One Stop Centre (South Goa) before it was taken over by the government. Recognised for her work, Viegas was recently honoured with the Samvidhan Samman Puraskar award.
Asha Arondekar: Entrepreneur
and mentor for women
A successful entrepreneur, Asha Arondekar founded Global to Local, a social entrepreneurship venture, and Satva, a chain of salons and spas. As the chairperson of GCCI’s women’s wing, she has been instrumental in encouraging women entrepreneurs in Goa.
Starting at the age of 19, she ventured into pharmaceuticals, later expanding into exports, research, and wellness industries. “It gives me happiness to work with and support women in various capacities,” she said.
Advocate Norma
Alvares: A message
of strength, love
and courage
Senior Advocate Norma Alvares took the opportunity to extend her wishes to women and men alike on International Women’s Day, emphasising the importance of women’s roles in society.
“I hope women have the courage to take the necessary steps to contribute meaningfully to society. Our young, educated women must realise that with determination and wisdom, they can achieve any goal they set for themselves,” she said.