Goa has the highest percentage of female school teachers in the country.
According to data released by the Union Human Resource Development Ministry, nearly 80% of staff teaching Classes I to VIII in Goa are female, compared to the national average of 47%. Chandigarh previously had the highest percentage of female teachers.
Other places that exceed 70% are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Punjab and Delhi .
Vithoba Dessai, president of the Goa Headmasters’ Association, was quoted as saying, “In Goa, our school timings (8.15am to 1.45pm) are adjusted in such a way that after the work hours, teachers can turn their attention to home. They can manage their household chores effectively while still having a career.
“Other than teaching, schools are also meant to care for children, and women are naturally better at playing that role than men. I am very happy that we have come to the highest position in giving teaching employment to women.”