Daijiworld Media Network – Goa
Goa, Jan 23: A recent incident shared by a local woman from Goa has reignited concerns about women’s safety in the state, a destination often praised for its vibrant tourism. In a post on Reddit, the woman detailed a troubling episode involving a group of Hindi-speaking men harassing an African-American tourist after she declined their request for photographs.
The Goan woman described how the incident occurred when she went out to buy milk from a nearby shop. At the shop, she noticed an African-American woman with “pretty and funky hair” being approached by a group of men who asked to take her picture. When the woman politely refused, the men began hurling verbal abuse in Hindi. One of them even made a disturbing comment, saying, “Akeli aurat kya hi karegi” (What can a woman traveling alone do?), and urged his friend to click a picture regardless of her consent.
Feeling uneasy, the Goan woman stepped in to advise the foreigner to leave the area quickly. The shopkeeper, sensing the tension, also stood outside until the men left. Reflecting on the incident, the woman expressed her shock in her Reddit post, stating, “I am a native Goan, and I have never heard of such incidents happening in public before. It made me realize how unsafe Goa has become.”
The post has since sparked widespread discussions about harassment and safety in Goa. Many users have shared their own unsettling experiences, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by women, both locals and tourists.
One individual recounted traveling to Goa with friends from the Netherlands and feeling constantly observed by men who often attempted to take photos without permission. Another commenter pointed out that while Goans are generally respectful, certain domestic tourists bring with them a regressive mindset, which contributes to a decline in safety.
A particularly distressing story came from a Goan woman who visited Morjim Beach and was harassed by a group of older men. While swimming, she was encircled by seven men who came dangerously close to her. Her friend intervened, pulling her out of the water, after which the men finally backed off. She described feeling terrified and lamented how her own state’s beaches no longer felt safe, blaming the behavior of certain domestic tourists for the shift.
The discussion has brought to light growing frustrations among locals and visitors alike, with many criticizing the inappropriate conduct of some tourists. Calls for stricter measures to ensure safety and preserve Goa’s reputation as a welcoming destination are gaining momentum. As more stories surface, the need for action to address these concerns becomes increasingly urgent.