PANAJI
Goa is celebrating Women’s Day, with various organisations holding events across the State to recognise and honour women for their contributions to society in many ways. In Indian culture, women, or Nari, are often seen as Shakti — the strength that holds families, societies, and communities together. Women have taken leadership roles in many sectors and continue to work shoulder to shoulder with men.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls.’ It highlights the need for women to stand up for their rights and seek justice through meaningful action. The campaign aims to bridge the gap between legal rights and lived reality, while promoting stronger accountability and justice for women around the world. Globally, women have only about 64 per cent of the legal rights that men enjoy. The focus is therefore on moving beyond legal recognition to practical implementation. There is a strong need to remove systemic barriers, strengthen legal systems, and ensure justice for all, especially in times of conflict and repression. This year’s theme stresses that rights must not only be promised but also enforced.
Goa has a high literacy rate compared to many other States. Almost every child attends school, even in villages. People understand the importance of education and generally ensure that both girls and boys go to school. As education is free, girls get the opportunity to learn, interact with society, and develop a better understanding of the world around them.
As an educated State, many girls and women in Goa are aware of their rights and often approach the judiciary to resolve disputes. Women from more affluent sections of society also step forward to support and educate those from less privileged backgrounds. Legal cells regularly organise workshops and awareness sessions in cities and villages to inform women of their rights, especially those who face oppression but hesitate to speak out.
The Goa government has introduced several welfare schemes for girls and women. These include free education with books, uniforms, raincoats, free transport through Balraths, and mid-day meals. Pregnant women receive nutritional support and free medical treatment. Other initiatives include scholarships, awards, financial assistance to housewives, interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs, and seed capital for women who want to start their own businesses.
INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN
Laadli Laxmi Scheme: Designed to curb female foeticide and reduce the financial burden of marriage. It provides financial assistance to parents of a girl child
Griha Aadhar Scheme: Offers financial assistance to housewives and homemakers, particularly from economically weaker sections, to help manage household expenses and improve living standards
Mamta Scheme: Provides financial incentives to mothers upon the birth of a girl child to promote gender equality and improve the female-to-male sex ratio
Swavalamban Scheme: A grant-in-aid programme for Mahila Mandals. It provides annual grants of Rs 20,000 and training funds to registered Mahila Mandals and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support income-generating activities for women
Veerjyoti Puraskar: A cash award given to women and girls for exceptional bravery and for standing up against atrocities
Shelter Home for Women: Provides temporary shelter and rehabilitation for women in distress, including those facing domestic violence or family disputes
Working Women’s Hostel: Provides safe and affordable accommodation for working women, along with day-care facilities for their children. The Budget for 2026–27 proposes hostels at the industrial estates of Verna, Madkai, and Tuem
