Opening doors to new possibilities is a vital part of community growth. Recently, Sanvedan Kendra organized an inspiring exposure visit to WISH Vasco for members of the Katkari and Vanarmare communities.

The visit served as a bridge to new opportunities, allowing participants to:
Explore Livelihoods: Witnessing firsthand how sustainable income can be generated.

Discover Entrepreneurship: Learning how local initiatives can be transformed into independent ventures.
Engage with Community Projects: Connecting with ongoing efforts that prioritize self-help and shared success.
By stepping into this creative and entrepreneurial environment, participants left with more than just information they left with the vision and confidence to pursue their own pathways to self-reliance.
By facilitating hands on learning and entrepreneurial mentorship, we work towards empowerment of marginalized communities unlock their potential for sustainable livelihoods.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. ARZ was proud to participate in the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD) Goa Annual Day, a significant event celebrating collective efforts toward social empowerment.

A highlight of the day was the official release of the Sankalp Report, which features our dedicated skill-training initiatives. The report showcases the impact of our vocational programs in screen printing and professional ironing, which have successfully reached and benefited women from the Birla, Mangor, and Sada communities.

By equipping women with these tangible skills, we are not just providing training; we are opening doors to economic independence and self-reliance.

By bridging the gap between skill-building and livelihood opportunities, we empower women to secure their own futures and lead lives of independence.

At ARZ,we believe that every individual deserves the right to be seen, heard, and respected for exactly who they are. We gathered in solidarity with the LGBTQ community to center the lived realities of the transgender community and bring urgent attention to the Transgender Amendment Bill 2026:

The interaction was more than a policy discussion; it was a space where voices were raised and stories were shared. We focused on the essential need for inclusion and dignity, particularly for transgender children and youth who face daily discrimination in schools, homes, and wider society.

Real change begins when we move beyond awareness and commit to listening, supporting, and acting.

Together, we demand a future rooted in identity, justice, and unwavering respect.

Through community mobilization and dedicated support, we work to protect the rights of the marginalized and ensure a life of dignity for all.

This International Women’s Day, ARZ hosted two meaningful celebrations focused on connection, reflection, and the future of empowerment in our community.

Meaningful Bonds at ARZ
We spent the morning with the Devadasi community, creating a space for joy and deep reflection. Through shared activities and heartfelt conversations, we strengthened the bonds of sisterhood that anchor our mission.

Empowering the Next Generation
The energy continued at the Ambedkar Club in Baina, where we met with vibrant groups of young girls. Our discussions centered on:

• Understanding Rights:Knowing their value and legal protections.
• Self-Empowerment: Building the confidence to lead.
• Collective Support: The power of looking out for one another.

By fostering awareness and community strength, we work daily to empower the vulnerable and end the cycle of exploitation.

On March 8th, ARZ joined forces with the Goa Women’s Forum for a powerful International Women’s Day dialogue. The session pulled back the curtain on the evolving realities of human trafficking, moving beyond statistics to spark genuine reflection and awareness.
It wasn’t just a discussion; it was a call to collective action. We wrapped up the day fueled by a deep sense of solidarity and sisterhood, proving that when women stand together, the path toward justice becomes clearer.Through grassroots engagement and direct action, we strive to build a world where every woman lives free from exploitation.

For 25 years, ARZ has closely worked with children, empowering them to grow and thrive. ‘Nanhe

Panne’ is a platform where young minds share their stories, poems, drawings, and reflections – giving voice to their thoughts, dreams, and everyday realities

The success of Edition 1 was overwhelming!  It motivated our young writers to create even more amazing content for Edition 2. We’re loving the creativity!

Released on Safer Internet Day (Feb 10, 2026), this edition promotes a safe online environment for kids. Our guests Mr. Girish Borkar-Chairperson of Municipal Council, Ms. Vinny Fernandes-Headmistress of Ashadeep School and Mr. Nikhil Dessai-PSI Vasco PS, joined us to launch the magazine.

ARZ NGO successfully conducted a certificate distribution ceremony for the students of the tailoring course under the WISH livelihood program. The batch, which began in June and concluded in January, completed six months of intensive training aimed at building skills and creating livelihood opportunities.

As part of the course completion process, the students appeared for their external examination at Goa College of Home Science, where they performed exceptionally well and passed with flying colours. A total of 24 students were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The Chief Guest for the event was Ms Natasha Dias, General Manager, HQ Hotel, Vasco who encouraged the students with an inspiring address. She motivated them to confidently move forward in life and make use of the valuable skills they have gained over the past six months to build a better future for themselves and their families.

A delegation of 16 senior defence officers from the National Defence College visited the WISH Livelihood Centre of ARZ on 6 February as part of their study programme. The officers, representing different countries, visited the centre to gain insights into community-based initiatives supporting survivors of sex trafficking.

During the visit, the delegation interacted with ARZ staff and beneficiaries and learned about the organisation’s efforts in prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and livelihood development for survivors. A presentation was delivered by Arun Pandey, who highlighted the challenges of sex trafficking and the importance of sustainable rehabilitation programmes.

The officers also toured the WISH livelihood units to understand how skill-based training and income-generation activities help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity. As part of the visit, the delegation was provided with the ARZ Annual Report and the book Beautiful Women, which shares the powerful stories of survivors of sex trafficking.

ARZ recently conducted an interactive awareness session with students at Carmel College for Women focusing on the evolving nature of online grooming and its link to trafficking risks.

Titled From DMs to Danger, the session explored how exploitation today often begins not with threats, but with seemingly “perfect” online connections that target emotional and psychological vulnerability. Students engaged in discussions around behaviours that may appear romantic but can gradually create pressure and control.

The session unpacked common grooming patterns such as love bombing, breadcrumbing, situationships, and danger shrinking, helping students recognise how manipulation can be disguised as care or attention. Key takeaways highlighted the difference between attention and genuine concern, the expectations that may accompany gifts, and how silence is often rooted in fear rather than safety.

By building a shared vocabulary around discomfort and consent, the session aimed to empower young people to trust their instincts and recognise early warning signs in digital interactions before situations escalate. ARZ extends its appreciation to the students of Carmel College for their openness and active participation.

On 21st and 22nd January 2026, ARZ conducted a specialised training programme for staff at the State Protective Home (SPH) aimed at strengthening care and rehabilitation practices for survivors.

The training focused on interactive discussions, immersive activities, and practical insights to build staff capacity and enhance service delivery. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Arun Pandey, Director of ARZ, and Dr. Rupesh Patkar, whose expertise contributed to a deeper understanding of trauma-informed approaches and effective intervention strategies.

The programme reflects ARZ’s continued commitment to empowering institutional staff through capacity building and collaborative learning.

The goal is to ensure that every survivor who walks through the doors of the State Protective Home is met with a team that is prepared, resilient, and deeply empathetic.

On 17th January 2026, a POSH Awareness Session was conducted for the teaching and non-teaching staff of Deep Vihar School. The session was organised by the Vasco Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaonkar College of Law.

The session was facilitated by Ms. Juliana Lohar, Deputy Director at ARZ, and focused on understanding workplace sexual harassment, recognising unacceptable behaviour, and familiarising staff with reporting mechanisms and their rights and responsibilities under POSH.

In the school setting, the discussion extended beyond compliance to highlight how professional dignity among staff contributes to a safe environment for students. Key themes included understanding intent versus impact in workplace interactions and building a shared language of respect.

Such awareness initiatives play a crucial role in fostering workplaces where dignity, safety, and mutual respect are upheld for all.

ARZ recently participated in the NoMoZo (No Motor Zone) initiative, a community space where streets are transformed into areas for play, learning, and connection among children, families, and the wider public. At the event, the ARZ team facilitated Jano Khelo Jeto (JKJ), an interactive, play-based game designed to open conversations around child rights and child sexual abuse in a safe, respectful, and age-appropriate manner. Rooted in participatory methods and informed by years of field experience, the activity encouraged children and parents to engage, reflect, and learn together.

In addition, WISH products were showcased at the event, highlighting survivor-led livelihood initiatives that promote dignity and sustainable rehabilitation.

Such initiatives reinforce the importance of community-based prevention efforts that combine awareness, psychosocial understanding, and active participation.

One year ago, ARZ began its economic rehabilitation work in Mapusa through WISH a small but intentional step towards dignity, healing, and independence for women who have survived sexual exploitation. This week, we marked one year of that shared journey.

This milestone reflects the collective efforts of key stakeholders including the Goa Police, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), State Protective Home (SPH), and the Goa State Commission for Women, each playing a vital role across rescue, protection, and rehabilitation.

We also extend our gratitude to the Mapusa Municipal Council, students, friends, and well-wishers whose continued encouragement strengthens our work.

At the heart of WISH are the survivors who have chosen courage over silence, rebuilding their lives through skill, work, and self-belief.