This paper attempts to address the interesting phenomenon of dominance of women
in higher educational sector of Goa-a remarkable postcolonial event which occurred after
Goa attained statehood in 1987. The Indian state of Goa has been experiencing a rapid
socio-economic and cultural transformation. At present it enjoys many of the highest human development indicators in India, matching some of the developed countries. Its’ projected
population at present is 1.45 million (Indian decennial census 2001 reported 1.348 million).
When the Portuguese rule ended, the literacy was just 31 % whereas it stood at 82 % in 2001.
Goa is a highly urbanized state in India. In 1960 there were just five towns and 15 % urban population. In 2001 the figures were, 44 towns and 50 % urban population. On economic front Goa has made tremendous progress mainly on account of the growth of mining, tourism and the service sector. Tourist arrivals in Goa have exceeded the state’s population from
2001. The Gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices in 2003-04 was Indian
Rupees (Rs.) 96570 million, up from Rs. 3930 million when Goa became a full-fledged
state. The banks are flush with funds indicating a booming economy. Goa has lowest birth
and death rates and a life expectancy of 68 years for the males and 72 for females. The sex
ratio however has shown a declining trend since 1960, from 1066 to 960 in 2001 (Table 1).The sex ratio for 0-6 years age group was 933. On this background we intend to examine
the changing pattern of female education in Goa.