Press Release - Empowered women for Effective Local Self-Governance

PRESS RELEASE A two days Panchayati Raj Worskshop for women on the topic 'Empowered women for Effective Local Self-Governance' was held on 31st January and 1st February 2009 at the Peaceful Society campus in Madkai. The Workshop was organised by the Centre for Panchayati Raj and Grameen Mahila Manch - Peaceful Society in association with Goa Sudharop. The Chief guest Mr. Ibonio D'Souza, Chairperson of Goa Sudharop Trust  inaugurated the workshop.Addressing the women participants at the Workshop, Mr. D'Souza deplored the state of governance in Goa as being non-people friendly, irresponsive and the cause of  chaos thereby forcing the people to come to the streets to demand their basic needs. "Democracy is name sake as free and enlightened participation of the people in governance is absent", exclaimed Mr. D'Souza. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi's demand for democracy in the Panchayati Raj system so that the villages prosper and reminded the participants that Panchayat Raj system was an ancient holistic concept of governance which ensured peace, tranquility and holistic development. "Panchayati Raj respects the uniqueness of the individual", said Mr. D'Souza. While pointing out that for the success of Panchayati Raj devolution of powers must take place, Mr. D'Souza lamented that women are not given encouragement and whatever is being done in this regard is not enough. He further said that he felt proud to state that the Centre For Panchayati Raj has played a major role in bringing much needed awareness to the villages which every 'true Goemkar '  must acknowledge and needs to support such initiatives. Assuring that Goa Sudharop desires to work in coordination with like minded NGO's, Mr. D''Souza informed that Goa Sudharop having dedicated the year 2009 for the Youth, several workshops, seminars and other events would be organised in the course of this year to help develop leadership among Goa's youth. He exhorted the women to utilise every minute of this workshop to know about Panchayati Raj and develop their confidence, knowledge and power.The participants of the workshop were presented with details about the dimensions of the Panchayati Raj system, the role of women in Panchayati Raj and basic skills for effective participation in the Gram Sabhas along with an understanding about the current political, social and economic affairs in the villages. Some of the rural women expressed that it is for the first time in their lives that they had such an opportunity to be away from their homes to attend a residential workshop which has given them such in depth knowledge about their powers arising from the 73rd Constitution Amendment as well as the State Panchayat Raj laws. Others remarked that they now feel more confident and equipped to participate in the Gram Sabha and the administration of their village. The resource persons were Mr. Kumar Kalanand Mani and Mr. Soter D'Souza.Earlier Mrs. Bharati Bandodkar, Convenor of Grameen Mahila Manch welcomed the women participants while Mr. Soter D'Souza, Director of Centre for Panchayati Raj proposed the vote of thanks.The Centre For Panchayati Raj and the Grameen Mahila Manch of Peaceful Society will be conducting several workshops in villages across Goa to create awareness on citizen's rights and responsibilities in local self-governance with special focus on women and youth. Those interested in organising such workshops in their village may contact Peaceful Society on 2392236 or the Panchayati Raj Information & Documentation Centre at Porvorim on 2903352 or 9890056616. From,Soter D'SouzaDirectorCentre For Panchayati Raj  - Peaceful Society,Kundaim, Goa.