Reshma (name changed) was 21 when her mother got her marriedto a 40-something rich man who died two years later. Her in-laws confinedReshma to her room and began forcing her to marry her physically handicappedbrother-in-law. “They are torturing me, please help me,” was her SMS to heryounger sister who immediately rushed to Ezilda Sapeco, Chairperson of GoaState Commission for Women (GSCW). Ezilda’s team rushed to Reshma’s maternalhome and took Reshma’s mother into confidence. They accompanied her to Reshma’sin-law’s house and after a lengthy discussion they agreed to let Reshma go.
Reshma’s case is one of the thousands of cases that thecommission solves in a year. “The awareness among women is growing. People comewith all sorts of complaints “ relationships, custody of the children, moneymatters, torture by the in-laws and harassment at work. Since 1997, when theGSCW was started, the Commission has seen 2500 odd cases out of which Ipersonally handled around 600,” states Ezilda and continues, “More Lok Adalatsare needed so that the cases get speedy and instant judgement.” The commissionstresses on amicable solutions. “Children should not suffer when the parentsfight,” explains Ezilda who personally feels that children need both parents intheir growing years.
The team organises awareness programmes and educates ruralwomen on laws that deal with domestic violence. Ezilda has been activelyinvolved in social work ever since she was in college “ she was active instudent’s agitations, the Youth Congress and a was member of the ChildCommission, Social Welfare Board and worked as a secretary of Goa PradeshCongress Committee.
Her husband Barnabe Sapeco is also her mentor and motivator.“We are married for 25 years. Barnabe always encouraged me to follow my missionof reaching out,” shares Ezilda who feels the condition of Goan women is farbetter than that of women in other states.
Ezilda will be stepping down in January 2013. But before hertenure is over, she plans to release a booklet on laws pertaining to women. Itwill also contain information on crime and punishment. “It is my gift to thewomen of Goa,” she concludes.
