Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera organised ‘Prerna’- a panel discussion on Women Empowerment which had eminent women addressing the audience.
Rtn Denzil Xavier, President of Rotary Club Panaji Riviera highlighted the clubs steadfast dedication towards women empowerment. He mentioned that the Club has organized numerous events over the years. Xavier emphasised that the panel discussion aimed to harness the achievements and experience of the panelists, to guide the Rotary Club towards actionable initiatives that empower women.
The four panelists were Dr Fleur D’Souza, Heta Pandit, Dr Radhika Nayak and Dr Sabina Martins.
Dr Fleur D’Souza was the Head, Department of History at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, India and holds a Ph.D degree in history from the University of Bombay. When Dr D’Souza was asked her opinion regarding the promotion of women empowerment, she responded that it begins within one’s family. In her opinion ‘family’ is the social unit of which all of us are part of and thus making it an ideal starting point for change. Along with one’s family support Dr D’Souza believes that women must support one another, build inclusive women movements, and share knowledge of rights and opportunities amongst one another because all of them share a common goal and cause.
Heta Pandit is an author, independent researcher, and the co-founder of Goa Heritage Action Group. When asked about the positive aspects that society must adopt to empower women Pandit stated that individuals must hold the keys to their own happiness and that in her opinion is true empowerment. She also accentuated the importance of looking beyond institutions like schools and colleges to generate awareness and believes that empowerment is synonymous to broadening one’s vision.
Dr Radhika Nayak is an academician, a Ph.D holder and former principal of SS Dempo college of Commerce and Economics. When asked about the state of Goa in terms of women empowerment, she recalled that during her research for her Ph.D.she recognized that while Goa is the smallest state in India, it is composed of multiple social facets and each facet faces its own socio- economic issues differently.
She stated that in comparison to other states in India, Goa provides better statistics of women empowerment and continues to exhibit growth. She recalled that in her 40 years of teaching, she focused on the sensitisation of girls and providing them guidance to seize the opportunity they were being given and attain a financially independent future − that, in her opinion, is true empowerment.
Dr Sabina Martins is the founder of Bailancho Saad and has contributed towards national campaigns to bring about desired policies and legislation.
Dr Martins illustrated her thoughts through the example of the initiative CRY. She recalls that it was through a survey that the high statistical rates of drop-outs were recognised despite the government statistics displaying a high literacy rate. Initiatives were taken up by CRY and Bailancho Saad to improve the situation in three villages in Goa.
The event was conceptualised by Urvija Bhatkuly. The vote of thanks was proposed by Joshua D’Mello, Secretary, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera. The panel discussion was moderated by Harshvardhan Bhatkuly.
