Legal Awareness on Child Rights - Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell

The Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell in association with Child line conducted a legal literacy programme on 29 January 2017, at the Santoshi Mata Temple at New Vadem, Vasco. The programme began at 16.30 hrs with the Inaugural address by the Deputy cell in – charge, Ms. Nikita Singh. The guest speakers, Ms. Suraya Borges and Ms. Suzanna De Souza were introduced to the crowd. As a gesture of appreciation a rose was presented to the dignitaries. Prof. Ms. Ashwini Naik, the faculty in – charge of the cell witnessed the programme. 

 

The programme began with an interactive session with the audience, where Ms. Suraya Borges asked the locals about their knowledge as to child rights. The next speaker for the day, Ms.  Suzanna de Souza spoke at length about the various child rights and its relevance in the modern world. She stated that as crimes against children may it be in the form of abuse or exploitation is increasing at an alarming rate in the State of Goa, the rights of children are at stake and demands protection. Further, she said that the tender age of children make them undergo great mental trauma and depression when offences are committed against them. Hence, she appealed to all to work together to bring awareness on this issue which is a major area of concern. Safety and security of children being one of the objective of child line, she also urged the audience to provide aid to the child in need of counselling by bring it to the notice of Child line. 

The guests were presented with mementos and refreshments served to the public present at the programme. The programme concluded at 18.00 hrs with a thanks note proposed by Ms. Uthara.

Vasco Free Legal Aid Cell celebrates International Womens Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Vasco Legal Aid Cell conducted a legal literacy program on the 8th of March 2016 at the Officers Club in Sada.

The program was graced by two distinguished speakers, Adv. Suresh Rao and Adv. Loretta Sridharan. Also present were Dr. Ranjana Ferrao (Faculty Incharge of our cell) and Ms Zarita Mendes. The program began at 2:15 pm with around 150 people most of which were women from different fields.

Our cell member Ms. Murielle Rodrigues was the compere for the program. She began by welcoming all the guests and the audience. Flowers and Mementos were distributed to the members of the panel. Ms Venessa Barreto introduced the speakers and the members of the panel.

The topic of the day was WOMEN EMPOWERMENT which was introduced by our first speaker, Adv. Loretta Sridharan who spoke about the ever changing status of women in today’s world. She also stressed upon the role of women in earlier days and compared it with the recent times and how it has evolved. She encouraged the women and youth to step forward and not fear to take major responsibilities and fulfill their dreams. She also spoke about real life stories of women who have worked so hard to manage their livelihood as well as that of her family  all alone inspite of having husbands who wouldn’t contribute to the families welfare. She pointed out to the fact that women are now being leaders at work as well as at home. They make all the financial decisions for the welfare of their family. Lastly, Adv Loretta urged the female youth of today to make the change in the world without feeling inferior or fearing anything.

Our second speaker Adv. Suresh Rao spoke about all the laws available to women which are enacted by the state for their protection. He listed laws such as Dowry Prohibition Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violance Act, Immoral traffic (Prevention) Act, Commission of Sati(Prevention) Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagonistic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act etc. He stressed on Equal Remmuneration Act and Sexual Harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act since sexual harassment of women at workplace is the most common offence which is still prevailing. He urged all women to speak out since each one has a right to protection under these laws. He also spoke about the mindset of the people which needs to be changed and said that the mindset of others cannot be changed unless you change your mindset first. He also brought up the various laws for protection of women under the Indian Penal Code against abuse and rape and other criminal offences against women.

The program ended with a vote of thanks given by Ms. Roohi Majid while the cell members distributed bookmarks (wishing everyone a Happy Women’s Day) and refreshments to the guests.