Every year, since over a decade now, there have been more baby boys than girls born in Goa.
To elaborate, the records indicate that since 2007,
the cries of babies born have been more of males compared to females. Records indicate that females per 1000 males have not gone over 950 as on September 2019.
Data shared by the Registration Units pan-Goa with the Directorate of Planning & Statistics reveals that from 948 females per 1000 males recorded in 2007, the number marginally hiked to 950 in 2019 till September. The figures for the remaining three months of the year are being complied. The higher tally of males compared to females born each year is a repeated pattern for nearly 13 years.
Census ratio
If we check the census survey too, the ratio of females to males has not been quite impressive. Notably, the State had a high sex ratio till 1961 and gradually dropped to a low of 961 as per the 2001 Census.
Post Liberation in 1961, there were 981 females per 1000 males as per the Census Report of 1971. The figures of female population saw a drop to 975 in 1981, followed by 967 in 1991, 961 females in 2001 and a marginal increase to 973 in 2011.
International Women’s Day 2020 #EachforEqual
Gender ratio has always been an imbalance across the world including India that faces significant gap in the boy-girl ratio in certain parts. Incidentally, the theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is #EachforEqual, recognizing all of the actions we can take as individuals to challenge stereotypes, fight prejudice and celebrate women’s achievements.
Fortunately, in Goa where gender biasness is not very common, still practices equality with several State and central schemes operational. However, the disturbing trend on the decline in sex ratio has been a matter of concern.
Goa versus other States
The government, on the other hand, justifies that Goa’s female ratio to male is above the national average. Kerala has the highest sex ratio in the country (1084) followed by Puducherry (1037) and Tamil Nadu (996). The sex ratio of the State works out to be 943 females per thousand males as per the 2011 Census.
The sex ratio slightly improved until last Census but in the State where literary is 88.70 percent – 4th highest in the country, it stands 10th in the sex ratio. After Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, it’s Andhra Pradesh (993); Manipur (992); Chhattisgarh (991); Meghalaya (989); Odisha (979); and Mizoram (976). Incidentally, Goa’s literacy rate that also consists of awareness on gender equality - is higher than AP, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Odisha whereas Mizoram stands third with 91.30 literacy rate.
Hidden from public eye
Experts claim that Goa does face gender difference; however, it is usually not let out in public. There have been cases of abortions either within the State or neighbouring States, wherein the pregnant woman undergoes the procedure, but no records are maintained.
A former member of the Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW), wishing anonymity, maintained that she encountered such cases during her tenure. “There are cases of abortions. At times, the abortion is carried out in private clinics or the expecting mother is taken to another State to avoid legal issues here. Sex determination is banned but in a family, comprising elderly members, they usually try and guess if the pregnant woman is carrying a boy or girl. Accordingly, the pregnant lady is fed certain type of food that leads to miscarriage. However, this does not mean that every family or all elderly women are biased to male babies,” she said.
“The families do not realise they are resorting to infanticide which is illegal and also risking life of the mother,” she lamented.
There’s always a desire for male offspring: Expert on stereotypes
Herald also spoke to former GSCW Chairpersons who did agree that gender biasness is clandestine in the State, despite women outperforming men in all fields. “Women perform better than men in education, work, and also hold family responsibilities. Nearly 50 per cent of the workforce comprises women. However, our general experience is that baby girl’s birth is not celebrated among many women too. There is always a desire for male offspring. In fact this is the global tendency,” Advocate Shubhlaxmi Naik, ex-Chairperson of the Commission said.
Former member of GSCW Neena Naik too shares opinion as Shubhlaxmi stating girls are more responsible than boys. “Girls take care of their families while boys are either away or ill-treat their parents. I have seen many cases wherein aged parents are living alone and their son is working abroad or living separate. Whereas, girls are taking care of her parents,” Neena, also a teacher, added.
Another expert denies gender bias, says few cases are exceptions
Ezilda Sapeco, also ex-Chairperson, however differed with her opinion claiming she received just one case during her tenure. This she said does not indicate gender biasness. “I handled one case of gender difference. A woman, who already had a daughter, was expecting a second time. The husband, a government employee, wanted her to abort the baby “fearing” she would deliver another baby girl. The matter came before the Commission when I was holding the post of Chairperson. I ensured she got 50 per cent of the man’s salary and although the matter reached the High Court, the woman continues to get maintenance from her husband,” she said.
Sapeco also stated that the desire of couples for just one child could also be the reason for decline in female ratio to male. “People are happy with one child whether girl or boy. In majority cases, today’s parents are career oriented and they have less parental time due to which they are happy with one child,” she said denying gender biasness. “I come from a family of four daughters and all were treated well,” she added.