Says without safety women cannot achieve goals
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The first Goan judge of the New Orleans’ First Family Court, Bernadette D’Souza, has said that passing suitable law to protect the rights of women and children and keeping them safe is of paramount importance for women in achieving their goals in life.
D’Souza arrived in Goa on Thursday noon to a warm welcome by her relatives and friends, besides Quepem MLA Babu Kavlekar and former Quepem Municipal Chairperson Raul Pereira. Hailing from Vhoddlem Bhatt in Quepem, D’Souza is visiting her native state exactly two years after she was elected as New Orleans’ First Family Court judge.
“Women’s safety is very important. If there is a problem in Goa concerning women and children safety, it is hoped law makers will enact a suitable legislation to protect their rights. Without safety, women cannot achieve their goals in life”, she told the media.
She also spoke about forming women’s organisations and her association with such organisations back home in the USA. D’Souza said she is open to meeting representatives of associations of women.
Replying to a question, D’Souza conveyed a message to young women to be focussed on what they do. “Women should get passionate of the work they do and eventually realise their dreams”, she said, adding “it’s exciting that I have been elected as the judge of the New Orleans court. People have recognised my hard work put in over 20 years”.
The Quepem MLA Babu Kawlekar said it is a pride for the people of Quepem and Goa that a woman from the taluka have rose to become the first Goan judge in New Orleans.
