AAP’s Women Safety Dialogue campaign kicks off in Benaulim
AAP Benaulim MLA Capt Venzy Viegas has announced a series of initiatives to address the growing concerns of women’s safety in the state. At the launch of the AAP’s statewide ‘Women Safety Dialogue’ campaign on Monday in Benaulim, Viegas revealed that the party will introduce a special app dedicated to women’s safety before October.
The app will feature a panic button system, inspired by the AAP Delhi Government’s initiative in public transport, allowing women to directly connect with a control room for immediate assistance in emergencies.
Speaking at the event, Capt Venzy emphasised the need for such an app due to the lack of trust in the current government-run helpline number 112. “Women have expressed concerns that they don’t feel safe relying on the existing helpline or reporting incidents at police stations, where they often encounter unhelpful attitudes,” he said. “This app will be a lifeline for women in distress, offering them immediate support.”
During the launch, AAP women leaders from nine constituencies, including Benaulim, Nuvem, Navelim, Curtorim, Cuncolim, Quepem, Sanguem, and Vasco, came together to discuss the challenges faced by women in Goa.
In addition to the app, Capt Venzy announced that AAP will launch a free legal support service in schools to combat the rising cases of child sexual abuse. This initiative will start as a pilot project in Benaulim and eventually expand across the state. Furthermore, AAP will organise self-defense classes in schools twice a year to empower young girls.
Capt Venzy criticised the BJP government for failing to address the rising rape, murder rates in Goa, which could potentially harm the state’s reputation as a popular tourist destination. “Our economy relies heavily on tourism, and if crime rates continue to rise, it will send the wrong message beyond the state. AAP Goa is stepping up to tackle these critical issues.”
The Women Safety Dialogue campaign, led by the AAP Women Wing and coordinated by Capt Venzy, will cover all 40 constituencies in Goa. The campaign will involve discussions with Opposition MLAs and volunteers, focusing on educating women about their rights, safety techniques, and how to tackle challenges they face.
Also present at the launch were Patricia Fernandes, Rinku Lobo, Selu Fernandes, Matilda Fernandes, Venicia George, along with other prominent AAP women leaders.