--------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO ---------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet,
Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 13th June will feature the topic, Crimes against women have increased in Goa: need for a citizens response.
As part of a series on public interest issues Friday Balcao will focus on the increase in crimes against women in Goa.
The most recent incident of the 18-year-old student of the Goa College of Art who was drugged and gang-raped by her fellow students in the college premises was by no means the the first incident of an atrocity against a woman this year.
On April 15, 2003, Angana Shirodkar, a teacher from Mapusa had acid thrown on her face, which ultimately led to her death. 23-year-old Tanuja Naik of Marciam was shot dead as she was returning home from work as usual. Maria Cynthia Rodrigues was strangulated to death at her residence in Miramar.
What are the inadequacies of our law enforcing agencies, our medical system, our educational institutions, the citizenry and also the media in dealing with crimes against women ? Why have the various other crimes not yet been solved? Is the Women's Police station adequately staffed and equipped to handle crimes against women?
What should be the citizens response to such issues? At the home, at work, on the street, is it due to the low level of awareness of women's rights and dignity ? Is the Education system contributing positively to reduce such crimes ? Are religious leaders doing enough to promote gender sensitivity and respect for human life ? Is the electronic media also responsible ?
The Balcao discussion will cover these various questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens.
Those citizens wanting to contribute to the discussion at Friday Balcao are urged to attend the event while those who cannot attend the event may send their views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public.
Those citizens who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.80/- to cover printing and mailing costs.
Interested citizens wanting more information on Friday Balcao can phone on 2252660
best wishes,
Lillian D'Costa
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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