PANJIM: Mapusa women joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party’s Goa Convener Rahul Mhambre and Mapusa Women Wing leader Poonam Azgaonkar.
Siddhi Naik (social worker and member of Mapusa People’s Union), Ranjana Dalvi (Social worker and who runs a driving school for women), Unni Salma Sheikh (Works with an NGO for women empowerment), Dr Rehana Shaikh (a renowned doctor from Mapusa), Jyotsna Kambli (Social worker), Centina Fernandes (former journalist and now an entrepreneur), Asha Mane (Social worker), Jannifa Sheikh (Social worker), Farhat Sheikh (Student activist from Mapusa) and Shalu Singh (Social worker) joined the party on Tuesday. Mhambre said, “Despite the existence of the Griha Aadhar scheme for women, it failed to benefit women when needed most. Today, cylinders are costing Rs1000, and other expenses are also going up. Yet, women do not get monthly allowances on time.”
“If AAP is voted to power, we will give Rs 1,000 per month to all women above the age of 18 years and that the Griha Aadhar scheme will be increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500. We will ensure that it reaches its beneficiaries on time.”
Azgaonkar said, “Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. While other parties only talk about women empowerment, AAP is a platform for women.”
Naik said, “Many government departments don’t provide women with adequate support when they go to get information. We need to take action to end such attitudes.”
Salma Sheikh said, “Because of AAP’s consistent record of honest governance in Delhi, I joined it. I want to work for the welfare of women.”
Rehana Shaikh said, “Mapusa needs a change, and I believe that AAP will bring that change.”
Fernandes said, “Since I am an entrepreneur, I have seen how many people do not know how to start a business, and AAP’s entrepreneur cell has been guiding us. Inspired by this, I joined AAP.”
Dalvi said, “Mapusa hasn’t seen any changes in 60 years. I joined AAP to bring about change.”
