Arz recently concluded a series of intensive Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) awareness sessions at the WISH Units in Vasco and  Mapusa. These sessions, facilitated by Ms. Juliana Lohar, served a dual purpose: educating our community and strengthening our internal governance.

Moving Beyond “Normalised” Behavior

The sessions utilized an interactive, scenario-based approach. Participants were presented with real-life workplace situations and asked to identify harassment. The varying responses highlighted how certain behaviors particularly subtle verbal or non-verbal cues are often misunderstood or overlooked. By the end of the workshop, participants demonstrated a clear shift in their ability to identify and respond to inappropriate conduct.

Democratic Governance: Reconstituting the IC

A key highlight was the formal reconstitution of the Arz Internal Committee (IC). In alignment with our philosophy of community-led leadership, the girls at WISH nominated peer representatives from among themselves to join the committee. This ensures that the IC is approachable, representative, and deeply rooted in the trust of the beneficiaries it serves.

Addressing Critical “Grey Areas”

The Q&A segment allowed for a transparent dialogue on complex issues:

 Peer-to-Peer & Online Conduct: Clarifying that POSH policies cover harassment between peers and the inappropriate sharing of digital content.

 Mandatory Reporting: Emphasizing why formal complaints are necessary for long-term systemic change.

 Total Accountability: Addressing the process for reporting even if a member of the IC is involved, ensuring that the External Member and the Local Committee (LC) provide an unbiased layer of protection.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Arz maintains a strict Zero Tolerance Policy regarding sexual harassment. To ensure the safety mechanism is accessible to all, we are pleased to share the members of our reconstituted Internal Committee:

This initiative is part of Arz’s ongoing mission to create sustainable, safe, and empowered environments for all.

The story of Arz didn’t begin in a boardroom; it began in the narrow lanes of the Baina red-light area 28 years ago. At that time, we weren’t just fighting an industry we were challenging a deeply rooted systemic practice: the dedication of young girls as Devadasis.

Back then, our “offices” were humble rooms within the heart of the community. Today, those physical walls are long gone, demolished by time and change. But as we recently stood in Baina to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti, it became clear that while the buildings vanished, the foundation we built with the community is indestructible.

From Resistance to Resilience

In those early days, the mission was clear but daunting:

Breaking the Cycle: We worked side-by-side with youths from Ambedkar club to end the Devadasi practice, ensuring that a girl’s future was defined by her dreams, not by exploitation.

 Community-Led Protection:This wasn’t work done for the people; it was work done with them. The youths who stood with us decades ago are the same pillars of strength standing there today.

 Restoring Dignity: Our focus was always on creating a shield of social justice and equality, grounded in the values of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The Torchbearers of Today

The most powerful evidence of impact isn’t found in a report it’s seen in the faces of the Baina youth.

Watching the children and young adults lead the recent cultural programs for Ambedkar Jayanti was a “full-circle” moment. These are the descendants of a struggle for dignity. The energy they bring to the community today is a direct extension of the battles fought by their elders and Arz decades ago.

We didn’t just provide a service; we sparked a movement of self-advocacy. The youth in Baina are no longer just “at-risk” they are the organizers, the performers, and the leaders who carry the spirit of equality forward.

Our Living Legacy

Legacy isn’t about the structures we build; it’s about the people we empower.

Twenty eight years later, Baina reminds us that true social change is organic. It lives in the collective memory of the residents and the vibrant voices of the youth. Arz continues to walk this path, proving that when you invest in the dignity of a community, that spirit outlasts any brick-and-mortar building.

Our work isn’t stored in buildings; it’s carried in the hearts of the community.

At ARZ, we believe a social enterprise is more than a business model, it is a pathway to generational change.

Recently, at the WISH Livelihood Centre, a meaningful moment reminded us of this. One of our long-time members came in with sweets to celebrate her daughter starting an internship. As she tried to say the word, there was a brief silence. For her, it was not just a new term it was something that never existed in her own life growing up.

She had been dedicated as a Devdasi at a very young age and did not have access to education or opportunities. Her life was shaped by hardship and limited choices. But through her work with WISH, she was able to build stability and regain a sense of dignity.

She often speaks of WISH as more than a workplace. For her, it is something she has been part of building a space that helped her create a different future for her daughter.

While sharing the sweets, she said, “Main kabhi nahi chahungi ki meri beti us sab se guzre jo maine jhela hai.” (I will never want my daughter to go through what I have been through.)

This is the true impact of a social enterprise. It is not only about products or income. It is about breaking cycles of hardship and giving families the chance to choose a different path. Her daughter’s internship is not just a career step it is a sign of change, where the next generation has opportunities that were once out of reach. This is the kind of change we work towards every day.

At the core of Arz’s mission is the belief that those who have walked the path of recovery and empowerment are the best equipped to lead others toward it. The story of Shabana (name changed) is a testament to this transition.

The Journey Home

Shabana’s association with Arz spans over a decade. Her first interaction was born of a mother’s concern for her elder son. Through intensive counseling and family support, she saw him successfully recover from substance addiction. Years later, her resilience was tested again when her younger son, Ayaan, faced bullying due to undiagnosed ADHD.

Despite initial resistance within her own home, Shabana’s persistence ensured Ayaan received the clinical diagnosis and specialized education he needed to thrive.

The Shift to Advocacy

What makes Shabana’s story a “Success Story” isn’t just her family’s progress it is her initiative. Recognizing the signs of a learning disability in a neighbor’s child, Shabana acted as a bridge. She countered community stigma with first-hand knowledge, personally escorting the family to Arz for counseling and awareness sessions.

Our Impact

Because of Shabana’s intervention:

•           A family overcame their fear of “labels.”

•           A child is now receiving specialized education.

•           The community has one more leader fighting against stigma.

Shabana’s journey reflects the long-term goal of Arz: building a world where change is led by the community, for the community. We are proud to stand beside her.

ARZ conducted an awareness and capacity-building session for 34 staff members at Lokvishwas Pratisthan Special School, focusing on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Human Trafficking, particularly in the context of children with special needs.

The session began with an overview of different categories of children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and learning disabilities. This foundational understanding enabled participants to better recognize behavioral patterns and vulnerabilities among children.

A key component of the training was developing conceptual clarity on child sexual abuse, including its forms, stages, and indicators. Participants were oriented on the legal framework under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the importance of timely reporting and intervention. Special emphasis was placed on identifying signs of abuse in children with disabilities, who may face additional challenges in communication. Through case scenarios and practical examples, teachers were guided on how to respond sensitively and appropriately.

The session also highlighted the role of educators in prevention, including maintaining safe environments, setting boundaries, encouraging open communication, and adopting child-friendly methods such as visual aids and storytelling to support disclosure.

In addition, participants were introduced to the issue of human trafficking, with a focus on commercial sexual exploitation of children. Discussions explored the causes, processes, and local context of trafficking, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and community awareness. The interactive session encouraged dialogue, reflection, and knowledge-sharing, equipping teachers with practical tools to identify risks and respond effectively.

ARZ remains committed to strengthening child protection systems by empowering frontline stakeholders such as educators, ensuring safer environments for all children.

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.