Evescape

Tokenism is no longer a viable electoral strategy. Therefore if the Congress party through its Goem Rakhan Yatra intends to stand as a genuine movement to "save Goa's identity", it must acknowledge that Goa's identity is fundamentally tied to its women. Converting the role of women, the frontline organizers of the yatra from mere campaign marchers to the larger role of legislative lawmakers by identifying their leadership qualities and giving them tickets is the most definitive way the party can demonstrate its commitment to a "progressive, equitable, and democratic" future for the state. The ongoing Goem Rakhan Yatra o f the Indian National Congress (INC) party currently held in Goa is highlighting a defining moment across Goa. The overwhelming and enthusiastic participation of women leading the campaign from the front lines including  AICC Co-In-Charge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, Mahila Congress Goa President Adv. Pratiksha Khalap, office bearers and grassroot v...

By Rajeshree Nagarsekar  Following a recent incident where a prominent Goan politician publicly used a sexist slur, EVESCAPE wrote an email to the leader strongly condemning the remark. However, in response to this persistent rhetoric, EVESCAPE has developed a public safety campaign aimed at challenging misogyny in public discourse, which will be rolled out shortly. Way too often have we seen some of our politicians (across party lines) thump their chest and bellow: “ Ami kaknam ghalunk na " (We have not worn bangles) -- meaning; we are not weak, fearful or passive.  Firstly, this old school rhetoric of weaponizing a traditional ornament as a synonym for cowardice is not only downright outdated but also illiterate to the core, politically self-defeating, and utterly  regressive, especially in a progressive state like Goa. Secondly, when politicians use this sexist rhetoric in their public discourse, they are insulting fifty percent of the electorate. In modern Goa, women...