Fun and frolic on Goa's beaches have recently turned distressing for women travellers. Swimming, strolling or sunbathing has become increasingly difficult due to the presence of leering men. Numerous incidents of molestation, harassment, and catcalling have been reported by women on social media platforms and in online community discussions, including Reddit.
"I was groped, catcalled, and stared at incessantly. A few years ago, the crowd was full of foreigners and domestic tourists who minded their own business. Now it's been replaced by pervy uncles. Women, be cautious if you're planning to visit. Never coming to Arambol again," reads a Reddit post that sparked a flood of posts about similarly disturbing experiences shared by other women.
In response, the Goa government has proposed a novel solution: establishing separate swim zones on beaches to enhance safety and comfort for women.
First-time and frequent women travellers alike may find reassurance in these exclusive swim zones. But is segregation truly the answer to inappropriate behaviour? Doesn't this also highlight deeper issues-namely, weak law enforcement in a relatively small and manageable state?
Why the Harassment
The easy availability of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs on the beaches is a major contributor to such misconduct. The proliferation of touts and unlicensed beach shacks - some of which engage in illegal activities like drug peddling and prostitution - has only exacerbated the problem. Harassment of women is no longer confined to beaches but is increasingly seen in other public spaces too.
Goa is no longer the tranquil retreat it once was. For some men, beaches have become venues to harass at women. These men visit Goa not for leisure but to leer at and harass women. Some loiter nearby, secretly taking photos and videos, or even making unsolicited advances.
Alarmed by the uptick in such cases, the state tourism department has appointed lifeguards and demarcated sections of beaches exclusively for women, where they can swim in peace and privacy.
To bolster beach security, Drishti Marine, the state's official lifesaving agency, has been tasked with establishing 65 designated swim zones along Goa's popular beaches. At present, 40 zones are operational across 10 beaches, including Arambol, Morjim, Baga, Calangute, Miramar, Baina, Bogmalo, Colva, Baga-2 and Ashvem. Each zone is divided into three segments: one each for families, men, and women.
Plans are underway to create over 100 swim zones during the peak tourist season.
Apart from security concerns, these designated areas are intended to reduce risks from strong currents, regulate the movement of water sports vehicles, and improve overall monitoring of beachgoers.
Each zone will be clearly marked with partition moorings and signage to ensure clarity and safety.
But the central question remains: will this be enough to change a deeply entrenched male gaze and patriarchal attitudes?
The Goan Way
Historically, Goan society, shaped significantly by Portuguese influence, has been liberal and accommodating toward the attire, customs and culture of visiting tourists.
Tourism in Goa began in earnest in the 1960s, following its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. The 1970s and '80s saw a flourishing counterculture movement, inspired by Woodstock, take root in the region. The Hippie culture thrived along the virgin beaches of North Goa, particularly in the Calangute-Anjuna-Vagator stretch. Foreign tourists, especially from Russia and Europe, flocked to Goa for its relaxed, free-spirited environment.
The arrival of charter flights in the 1980s brought even more budget travellers. During the '80s and early '90s, Goa was not a popular destination among domestic tourists, largely due to poor air and rail connectivity. That changed after the liberalisation of the Indian economy and the construction of the Konkan Railway in 1998.
Since then, the influx of migrant workers and remote professionals - drawn by Goa's relatively low cost of living - has led to overcrowding. Some domestic tourists now treat Goa as a city of vice, attracted by the easy access to alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
In such an environment, women are often viewed through a lens of objectification.
Several incidents have been reported where tourists were harassed or assaulted by shack workers, many of whom hail from outside Goa. Licences originally granted to Goans are often subcontracted to outsiders, raising questions about accountability.
Substance abuse is on the rise, and law enforcement is struggling to keep pace with the societal changes underway.
Recently, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant publicly acknowledged a decline in tourism due to increasing crime. He appealed to stakeholders - particularly those operating in the famed North Goa beach belt - not to take the law into their own hands, warning that criminal activities in shacks and restaurants are driving tourists away.
From my own experience of living and working in Goa, I never encountered such overt disrespect. In everyday interactions, local men were generally respectful towards women.
The concept of 'women-only' beaches exists in conservative countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Egypt. But introducing such segregation in India, and out of necessity rather than cultural preference, speaks volumes about the state of our society.
Until sexist attitudes are confronted and dismantled, women will continue to feel unsafe. Goa's image as a safe, inclusive tourist destination will keep taking a hit unless the government takes stricter action.
Already, many tourists are opting for safer, more welcoming destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.
(The author is Contributing Editor, NDTV)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
