Demand for law to protect widow rights, growing

Goa Khabar: Women of Saudimol – Uguem in Sanguem taluka on Sunday joined the chorus to demand law for respect and dignity to widows and to end regressive customary widowhood practices in the State.

Resolving to defy such practices, Uguem panch member Divya Naik, had earlier initiated the move in her panchayat after which a resolution was adopted banning widowhood or funerary practices in the village. The women, shared their lived experiences of having to undergo the perils of widowhood and how they have to challenge the social curse on a daily basis.

Women present at the meeting resolved to stand united in sisterhood and break free from the regressive customs which they believe are not enjoined by any religion. They also resolved to act as messengers to eradicating the social curse and fight for inclusion of widows in all aspects of life with equality and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

The meeting was organised by Divya Naik, a panch member of the Uguem village panchayat who dared to defy the age old widowhood customs after the death of her husband, two years ago. WE coordinator Rajeshree Nagarsekar addressed the meeting while Urmila Naik, Chandrika Chari, Jayanti Naik, Sukanti Naik, Amita Naik, Pratiksha Naik, Diksha Naik,  Sushma Naik, Gokul Naik,
Sunanda Chari, Vishranti Naik, Rekha Dessai, Chandan Naik,  Vinanti Naik and Sulaksha Naik  spoke at the meeting appealing to the government to enact a law to end widowhood practices and exclusion of widows in the State.

WE, a movement in Goa,  spearheading the cause of equality, equity, justice, life of dignity & respect to widows, as part of its exercise to create awareness on ground has started holding interactions with women groups in villages across Goa apart from meeting various societal stakeholders and organisations.