Impressed by the Aam Aadmi Party’s women-centric policies and vision for the state many Mapusa women joined the party in the presence of AAP Goa Convener Rahul Mhambre and Mapusa Women Wing leader and Bardez Bazaar Consumer CO-operative Society’s First woman chairperson Poonam Azgaonkar.
Siddhi Naik (social worker and memeber of Mapusa People’s Union), Ranjana Dalvi (Social worker and who runs a driving school for women), Unni Salma Sheikh ( Works with an NGO for women empowerment), Dr. Rehana Shaikh (a renowned doctor from Mapusa), Jyotsna Kambli (Social worker), Centina Fernandes (Former journalist and now an entrepreneur), Asha Mane (Social worker),
Jannifa Sheikh (Social worker), Farhat Sheikh (Student activist from Mapusa) and Shalu Singh (Social worker) joined the party on Tuesday.
While speaking to the media Mhambre said, “Despite the existence of the Griha Aadhar scheme for women, it never came to fruition when it is needed most. Today, cylinders are costing Rs.1000, and other expenses are also going up. Yet, women do not get monthly allowances on time”.
Adding he said, “If AAP voted to power, we will give ₹1,000 per month to all women above the age of 18 years and that the Griha Aadhar scheme will be increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500. We will ensure that it reaches its beneficiaries on time”.
Mapusa Women Wing leader Poonam Azgaonkar said, “Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. While other parties only talks about women empowerment, AAP has given a platform for women in the party”.
Siddhi Naik said, “Many government departments don’t provide women with adequate support when they go to get information. We need to take action to end such attitudes”.
Unni Salma Sheikh said, “Because of AAP’s consistent record of honest governance in Delhi, I joined it. I want to work for the welfare of women”.
Dr. Rehana Shaikh said, “Mapusa needs a change, and I believe that AAP will bring that change”.
Centina Fernandes said, “Since I am an entrepreneur, I have seen how many people do not know how to start a business, and AAP’s entrepreneur cell has been guiding us. Inspired by this, I joined AAP.”
Ranjana Dalvi said, “Mapusa hasn’t seen any changes in 60 years. I joined AAP to bring about change”.