Strengthening collaboration to protect women and children in Goa

Protecting women and children from sexual violence and exploitation requires more than the efforts of any one organisation. It takes a strong, coordinated ecosystem where government agencies, legal services, child protection bodies and civil society organisations work together.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen this ecosystem, the ARZ team recently engaged with key stakeholders working for the safety, protection and dignity of women and children across Goa.

The team had meaningful interactions and learning exchanges with Childline, the Child Welfare Committees of North and South Goa, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Goa State Commission for Women, the South Goa District Legal Services Authority, the One Stop Centres of North and South Goa, and the South Goa Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.

These interactions provided an opportunity to understand the realities and challenges faced by these agencies in their day-to-day work, while also strengthening mutual understanding of the support available to women and children, including survivors of sex trafficking.

ARZ is grateful for the warm reception, thoughtful exchanges and appreciation shared by the stakeholders for the organisation’s work. More importantly, the interactions reaffirmed the willingness of these institutions to collaborate, extend support and go the extra mile to ensure that women and children receive the protection and services they need.

When different parts of the protection system work together, referrals become stronger, services become more accessible, and support can reach survivors more effectively.

These engagements reinforce ARZ’s belief that lasting change is built through partnership, coordination and a shared commitment to protection and dignity.