Shimron Nathan
Goa has been developing exponentially and it seems that our state is one of the fastest growing ones in the country. Not only is our state striving for development in infrastructure and economy but also for the well-being of its people. The two panchayats of Corgao and Dhargalim have drafted a legislation to protect widows and are looking to abolish regressive widowhood customs.
This initiative is an indicator of the baby steps that have been taken towards moving away from the degenerating traditions of widowhood, however, this is just the beginning and lot more has to be done.
In response to this development, Evescape, a women’s organisation urged the State Government to draft the same resolution for the entire State of Goa.
Hazel Baretto,a youngster said, “I thought Goa was an quite open-minded society, so I was surprised with this news initially. Nevertheless, I welcome this origressive move wholeheartedly.”
There is a stark contrast between life in urban and rural Goa.There is economic progress alright, but that doesn’t make us a modern society considering the fact that such primitive thoughts still exist in our society.
Another student, Shereen Miranda, a student of Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science Autonomous, Margao said that compared to rest of India, Goa is more progressive and modern. Hence it is unfortunate to know that such rituals still exist here.
“I am actually surprised to know that in the hinterlands of our State such customs do exist. even now. But it’s heartening to know that two panchayats have actually taken some initiative against such rituals.”
Katherine Barreto, a Goan student at Symbiosis School of Economics, Puneshared said, “Any step taken to empower women in our society is a step forward. The fact that we are in the 21st century and a number of these practices still exist is appalling. However, this resolution indicates how far our society has come and hopefully how much farther we can go.”
More students like Katherine were overwhelmed to find out the Goa is progressing and focusing on its people’s welfare.
Dr Meenacshi Martins, an actress, psychiatrist and women’s rights activist, questioned how these customs were followed in Goa till date since the number of women going in for higher studies keeps increasing every year.
She said, “I have not seen a widow following the culturally or socially binding customs since years in Goa. With education came employment and with that the realisation that widowhood need not necessarily be an encumbrance to be endured lifelong.”
She further elucidated saying, “If it exists in some pockets of Goa, it is well within the rights of such villages to take progressive steps and liberate women from the shackles of such demeaning rituals. Having said that, if a woman for emotional or any other reasons wants to break her bangles or not wear a bindi or wear sober clothing after the demise of her partner, it is entirely upto her to do so and no one should interfere with that decision.”
Over the centuries such customs meant to rein in women have been overthrown. A good education with financial freedom is the one single key to such reforms.
“More than a meagre dole out in the name of financial assistance, we need good job opportunities and working women’s hostels and other support structures if we really want to talk about reforms for the weaker section of our women. However, it is a start and hope the implementation follows suit, she said.”
Maria Fátima Antao Nachinola, also a women’s rights activist, sharing her thoughts on this issue said, “In cities, among the educated, a widow is treated usually with respect and love but not so in villages. The illiterate and often poor widows garbling with their own pain, misery and poverty and looked down, sometimes treated as an evil omen. So, any resolution passed, importantly by rural panchayats to stop regressive practices associated with widowhood is a step in the right direction and to be appreciated and welcomed. “
According to her, much is needed to change the mindset of the people, however the actions of these two villages show that there is a hope.
Being custodians of people’s welfare, the elected members of State legislature must take a cue from these two village panchayats and pass a law in this regard for the entire State.
Many students, activists and youth of Goa persevere for a state that will alter the minds of people not only within our borders but the entire country despite our small and relaxed demeanour.
