Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Goa’s Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo called on women to embrace opportunities, strengthen their leadership abilities and prioritise personal well-being while addressing the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit 2026 held in Porvorim on Saturday.
Speaking as Chief Guest of Honour, Phal Dessai encouraged women to pursue their goals with determination and resilience.
“There are challenges to face in this world—shoulder your responsibilities and don’t give up at the first failure. Successful women script their journeys by overcoming hurdles and rising stronger each time,” he said, while sharing personal experiences of overcoming adversity.
The minister urged women to strengthen their entrepreneurial abilities, embrace creativity and seize opportunities whenever they arise.
Guest of Honour Delilah Lobo highlighted the importance of balancing professional ambitions with mental and physical well-being.
“Every woman must carve out at least one hour each day for herself to decompress and relieve stress. On Yoga Day, dedicate time to your own well-being,” she said.
The summit witnessed participation from students and faculty of educational institutions, entrepreneurs, sports achievers and professionals from various sectors.
Former Indian Navy officer and Managing Director of Sri Vyaghreshwar Mines and Minerals Pvt. Ltd., Anant Joshi, spoke on the role of discipline in achieving success, encouraging participants to pursue their goals with focus and commitment.
The event was organised by Rajesh D’Silva, founder of Goa Network7 PR & Events, who said the summit aimed to create a platform for inspiring women to share their journeys and motivate others.
Among the featured speakers was Saili Parab, who spoke on self-reinvention and personal growth. Women’s health advocate Dr Shivani Udas discussed holistic health and preventive care, while corporate lawyer Shraddha Talkar Karunanithi highlighted legal rights and protections available to women. Celebrity makeup artist Tracy Pinto shared her entrepreneurial journey and encouraged women to continuously upgrade their skills.
The summit also honoured outstanding Goan women for their achievements. Badminton player Anura Prabhudesai received a Certificate of Appreciation for her contribution to sports, while young cricketer Vidhi Viraj Tamankar was felicitated for representing Goa at the national level in the Under-17 Girls’ National Cricket Championship.
Themed “Voices of Strength. Pathways to Change.”, the day-long summit brought together women leaders, professionals, students and community members to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, health, legal awareness and empowerment.
