by Daniel Fernandes
MUMBAI-MAHARASHTRA, MARCH 16, 2015: The 'Women's Welfare Force' (WWF) was formed by Don Bosco Development Society in August 2014 to encourage and strengthen 
underprivileged women to take up issues of women's security and protection in the slum communities of Mumbai.
A 6 months'training programme was organized for 42 women from different locations such as Sewri, Wadala, Kurla, Dharavi and Antop Hill. The programmes covered various important issues such as Personality Development, Woman's Law, Citizens'Rights, Group Management, Networking with other NGOs, Marriage and responsible parenthood, visit to a Police Station and Family Court to understand the rules and process, First Aid,etc.
The objective of the programme was to help women understand their role as a member of society, to assist the women in accessing their rights and entitlements 
and facilitate their participation in local governance, to develop women leaders to take up women's issues in their own communities.
A function to felicitate these women on their successful completion of the 6 months long course was organized on March 12, 2015. The 42 women who underwent the training were given certificates by Fr. Savio Silveira. Fr. Savio appreciated the keen interest and the active participation of the women all through the training programme. He emphasized that they should now be active leaders in their own basti communities, leaders who ensure women's security and well-being.