Goa Women Make Strides in Property, Internet, and Financial Independence, But Challenges Remain
Panaji: The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveals significant progress for women in Goa, with marked increases in property ownership, internet access, and control over their earnings. However, the survey also highlights persistent challenges, including a disproportionate burden of family planning on women and a rise in spousal violence.
According to NFHS-6, 94% of women in Goa have used the internet, surpassing the 91% of men who reported the same. This represents a sharp increase from the previous survey round, where 73.7% of women and 69.7% of men had ever used the internet. The digital divide has not only closed but reversed in the state.
Property ownership among women has also improved. The proportion of women who own a house or land, either individually or jointly, rose to 21.4% in NFHS-6 from 16% in the previous survey. This indicates a growing trend towards women's economic empowerment and asset ownership.
Financial autonomy is another area of progress. The survey found that 92.5% of currently married women usually participate in household decision-making. Additionally, the proportion of women with a bank or savings account that they operate themselves increased to 91.1% from 88.3% in the previous survey. Nine out of ten women surveyed said they own and use a mobile phone, further enhancing their connectivity and independence.
Despite these gains, the burden of family planning continues to fall overwhelmingly on women. Among currently married women aged 15-49, 23.4% had undergone sterilisation, while only 0.1% of married men in the same age group had done so. The survey also found that 39% of women had access to modern family planning methods, while 33.8% relied on traditional methods. This stark gender disparity underscores the need for greater male involvement in reproductive health.
Another concerning finding is the increase in spousal violence. Some 11.3% of ever-married women aged 18-49 reported experiencing spousal violence at some point, up from 8.3% in the previous survey. Of these, 2% said they experienced violence during pregnancy. This rise calls for strengthened measures to protect women and address domestic abuse.
On a positive note, the survey highlights several health indicators. More than 90% of women received an antenatal check-up during the first trimester, had births protected against neonatal tetanus, and received postnatal care from a doctor, nurse, or other health professional. The proportion of women aged 20-24 who were married before the age of 18 remained low at 6.8%. Furthermore, 99.6% of births in Goa took place in institutional facilities, reflecting good access to healthcare.
Hygiene practices are also commendable, with 97.5% of women aged 15-24 reporting the use of hygienic methods during menstruation.
While the survey paints a picture of progress in many areas, it also serves as a reminder that gender equality and women's safety remain works in progress. Policymakers and stakeholders must build on the gains while addressing the persistent gaps in family planning and violence against women.
