by BIS Correspondent
MUMBAI, AUG 31, 2017: The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) Mumbai, organised an awareness workshop on July 27 at the Salesian provincial house in Matunga, 
for 130 women from the city's slums to help them procure their rights and entitlements from the government.
Pradeep Moon, regional director – Central Government Board - was the main resource person for the seminar and addressed the women about a host of issues. Father Rolvin D'Mello, executive director – DBDS, welcomed the gathering. Matteo, of the Auxilium India Organisation in Italy was also present.
In his opening address, Father D'Mello said, "Women must stand-up and demand their rights and entitlements from the government, because those benefits legitimately belong to them. DBDS will walk that extra mile to assist the women in obtaining these schemes and benefits from the government."
Moon then spoke about the various women and child-related welfare schemes of the Central and State Government. He also spoke about work, entrepreneurship, and loans. He not only provided information through his presentation and explained procedural formalities, but also enthused the spirit of the marginalised women.
An open-house question and answer session helped participants clarify their doubts. Surekha Pednekar, the DBDS coordinator, thanked the resource person for his presentation and the participants for their enthusiastic participation.