MARGAO: A Special Gram Sabha for women was organized by the Loutolim Panchayat on directives of the Directorate of Panchayats on Sunday.
Sarpanch Maria Franky Monteiro chaired the meeting.
Adv Shanti Fonseca spoke on domestic violence and educated the women on several issues including whom to approach in such eventualities and how the government assists women in such cases.
Dr Martha Fernandes, Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre, Loutolim, spoke on abortion, which she said is a criminal offence and explained the ill effects to the health of the women undergoing abortion. Dr Ashish supported the talk with a slide presentation and explanation.
Dr Mavis Falleiro, a physician from Loutolim also spoke. Dr Mavis is the visiting doctor to Shanti Avedna Ashram, Loutolim which is a home for terminally ill cancer patients. Dr Mavis educated the women of Loutolim on the symptoms of cervical cancer and self detection of breast cancer. Almost 150 women from the village attended. Free medicines were distributed on the occasion.
