------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ ------------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 9th September will focus on the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act and its effectivity in Goa. The recent advertisements by Kingfisher Airlines and Levi appearing in the local newspapers have sparked off a protest from women's organizations and citizens for being derogatory to women. These adverts also appeared on hoardings along the highways which were then removed after the intervention of the District Collector on receipt of protest letters. Bailancho Saad the women's organization has also filed a police complaint under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. This is not the first time that advertisements derogatory to women have appeared in newspapers, hoardings and even the electronic media. However there seems to be a lethargic attitude displayed by the Govt. officials with regards action on such derogatory advertisements. Are the Govt.officials not aware of the provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act by which they need to act ? Do citizens and social organisations know the provisions of the Act and who are the officials authorized to respond to complaints ? Must police and other Govt. officials only act on the basis of a complaint and can't they take suo motto action on such derogatory advertisements ? What are the other ways & means by which women have been indecently represented in Goa and has Tourism promotion contributed to the same ? Has enough awareness been created in Goa about Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act How can Educational Institutions help to increase awareness about this legislation ? What role can Citizens and NGO's play in making the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act effective in Goa ? The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue. 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. We invite you to express your viewpoint by attending the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Those of you 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.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs. best wishes, Roland Martins ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 9/2/2005