There's been much kerfuffle over women's reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies since last Saturday, when opposition parties blocked an amendment Bill in which GoI had linked women's reservation to delimitation. On the very same day in Bhubaneswar, Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026. The difference between the statutory idea of women's empowerment in Delhi and on the ground in Sail's home state couldn't be made clearer.
In Panjim, one of the busier spots visitors can stumble upon is a workshop with 7-8 mechanics at work at any point of day, fixing cars, SUVs, jeeps and changing tyres. Only this mechanic shop is 'manned' by a woman for the last 20 yrs, with male employees reporting to her. For anyone coming from any north Indian patriarchal society, such a scenario is almost unthinkable.
In Curtorim, one of Goa's quaintest villages, the only liquor store is owned, fronted and run by a middle-aged woman, who also provides a table with chairs next to the shop for anyone who prefers not to waste time carrying his or her purchase home. Actually, across the state, women can be regularly found behind the counter of liquor vends, evidence that this is hardly a male preserve like in other parts of India.
If you're looking to rent or buy an apartment in Panjim's Miramar or Dona Paula areas, the most well-connected real estate brokers are women, as are their assistants who accompany potential clients to check out properties. Professional, thorough and in a position to handle all aspects of transactions (black or white), some of the best deals in the area are often forged by this ladies' club. Again, Goa breaks another stereotype. Women pretty much rule the roost here.
If women are turning patriarchy on its head in the workforce, they're also able to enjoy freedom and security few other places in India can offer in their everyday lives. Average Goan men treat women as equals - if not with slight awe and respect. It's not uncommon to find a Goan grandmother riding a scooty to Panjim's municipal market to pick up the fish for the day for the family, or dropping a grandkid to school.
Attitudes reflect the inherent respect for women. The fact that women are completely at ease with men is evident in daily interactions, with women speaking with utter ease to male strangers in public spaces. There is no intimidation or concern that someone may misunderstand their 'friendliness'.
This extends to the personal space in public spaces. In Caranzalem's most popular cafe, Padaria Prazeres, visitors often spot a fairly well-known Bollywood actress who lives here. But nobody will hanker for a selfie, let alone barge in on her privacy. Men don't leer here - it just isn't a thing. At Panjim's carnival and evening street party held every February in Samba Square, it's not uncommon to find taxi or auto drivers rubbing shoulders with the city's uber-rich and glitterati.
So, while India at large keeps invoking 'Nari Shakti' and other homilies even as it maintains and negotiates a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset, Goa lives the idea. This has to be one of the best places in India to be a woman.
In Panjim, one of the busier spots visitors can stumble upon is a workshop with 7-8 mechanics at work at any point of day, fixing cars, SUVs, jeeps and changing tyres. Only this mechanic shop is 'manned' by a woman for the last 20 yrs, with male employees reporting to her. For anyone coming from any north Indian patriarchal society, such a scenario is almost unthinkable.
In Curtorim, one of Goa's quaintest villages, the only liquor store is owned, fronted and run by a middle-aged woman, who also provides a table with chairs next to the shop for anyone who prefers not to waste time carrying his or her purchase home. Actually, across the state, women can be regularly found behind the counter of liquor vends, evidence that this is hardly a male preserve like in other parts of India.
If you're looking to rent or buy an apartment in Panjim's Miramar or Dona Paula areas, the most well-connected real estate brokers are women, as are their assistants who accompany potential clients to check out properties. Professional, thorough and in a position to handle all aspects of transactions (black or white), some of the best deals in the area are often forged by this ladies' club. Again, Goa breaks another stereotype. Women pretty much rule the roost here.
If women are turning patriarchy on its head in the workforce, they're also able to enjoy freedom and security few other places in India can offer in their everyday lives. Average Goan men treat women as equals - if not with slight awe and respect. It's not uncommon to find a Goan grandmother riding a scooty to Panjim's municipal market to pick up the fish for the day for the family, or dropping a grandkid to school.
Attitudes reflect the inherent respect for women. The fact that women are completely at ease with men is evident in daily interactions, with women speaking with utter ease to male strangers in public spaces. There is no intimidation or concern that someone may misunderstand their 'friendliness'.
This extends to the personal space in public spaces. In Caranzalem's most popular cafe, Padaria Prazeres, visitors often spot a fairly well-known Bollywood actress who lives here. But nobody will hanker for a selfie, let alone barge in on her privacy. Men don't leer here - it just isn't a thing. At Panjim's carnival and evening street party held every February in Samba Square, it's not uncommon to find taxi or auto drivers rubbing shoulders with the city's uber-rich and glitterati.
So, while India at large keeps invoking 'Nari Shakti' and other homilies even as it maintains and negotiates a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset, Goa lives the idea. This has to be one of the best places in India to be a woman.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
Anjuli Bhargava