Panaji
Goa Forward Party on Sunday formally announced a state-level 29-member Goa Women Forward committee for both districts.
Ashma Sayed, a legal professional, has been nominated as the chief of the women's wing with Sonia Fernandes as its Vice President and Sampada Pednekar as General Secretary.
The party's Vice President Renuka Da Silva, who is chairperson of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority made the announcement at a press conference in Panaji.
“Party president Vijai Sardesai believes in the empowerment of women. When a woman stands for herself, she stands for all women around her. We as Goa Forward stand for all women,” Renuka Da Silva said.
Stating that many political parties use women only for rallies, newly appointed president Ashma Sayed assured that Goa Women forward will work towards taking women forward and empower them to be in the politics.
“We want that women become a part of decision making. Vijai Sardesai has always empowered women in politics,” Sayed added.
Citing some examples, she said Renuka da Silva is the chairperson of SGPDA, while Babita Angle is the chairperson of Margao Municipal Council.
“We have the youngest woman councilor from Fatorda Pooja Kavlekar. Several other committee members are representatives on various elected bodies,” she added.
She further elaborated that there are many schemes for women and giving free doles is not the only need of women.
"What we want is that women should be skilled and in a position to earn her own livelihood," she said.
When asked about whether the party will give tickets to women, Shaikh said: “We have full trust in our party president.”
Responding to another question on casinos she said, that their demand as Goa Women Forward is that casino should be moved out of the Mandovi river.
While replying to another question she also demanded that the beach cleaning work be allotted to Goan women.
“Goan women are capable of taking up projects like beach cleaning. I think they will be very happy as it will give them a source of income,” she added.
