A Goa woman’s post on Reddit has sparked a heated conversation about women’s safety in Goa, with many sharing similar experiences of harassment in the popular tourist destination. The woman described an unsettling incident in which she witnessed Hindi-speaking men harassing an African American tourist after she politely declined their request for a photo.
The Incident:
The woman, who was out buying milk, recounted seeing the African American tourist with “pretty and funky hair” near a local shop. A group of Hindi-speaking men approached the woman, asking if they could take her picture. When she refused, the situation took a dark turn.
According to the Goan woman, the men began abusing the foreigner in Hindi, with one of them mocking her refusal and saying, “Akeli aurat kya hi karegi (What can a woman traveling on her own do)?”
Feeling uncomfortable and alarmed, the Goan woman stepped in and advised the tourist to leave the area quickly. The shopkeeper, sensing the tension, also helped by waiting outside until the men departed. In her post, the woman expressed how this experience made her realize that Goa is no longer as safe as it once was for women.
Social Media Reactions:
The post has garnered significant attention on social media, with many users sharing similar experiences:
- One person recalled their visit to Goa with two friends from the Netherlands, mentioning unsettling stares and attempts by men to take secret photos of the women.
- Another individual shared, “Goans are generally chill, but domestic Indian tourists, especially those visiting for the first time, can be a problem. They ruin the experience and safety for others.”
- A third commenter expressed disgust at the behavior of tourists, stating, “Pathetic and disgusting tourists, they come to Goa with the wrong mentality!”
- Yet another shared a personal story of being harassed at Morjim beach, where a group of older men circled and intimidated them. The commenter highlighted how Goa’s atmosphere has changed for the worse due to this perverted mentality.
The Growing Concern:
The increase in such incidents has sparked concerns over the safety of both tourists and locals in Goa. With its reputation as a vibrant tourist hub, Goa has long been a safe and welcoming destination, but some locals and travelers now fear that a shift in the type of tourists visiting the region has led to unwanted behaviors and unsafe situations.
Many are now calling for greater attention to be given to maintaining safety in the state, with some even suggesting that certain behaviors should be addressed through better regulation and enforcement.
Conclusion:
This post shines a light on a growing issue that women, especially tourists, face in Goa. As the state continues to be a hotbed for domestic and international tourism, the question of women’s safety and respect for boundaries has become increasingly important. It remains to be seen whether these discussions will lead to meaningful action and a safer environment for all.
