As we step into a new decade, we look back at the long struggle women have waged in every aspect of their lives. It is the struggle to stay alive before she enters this world as well as after it. Since time immemorial, the daughters of India have been denied equal rights in every aspect of life. Female feticide, infanticide, illiteracy and child marriage, are only some of the many women-centric issues still plaguing society. According to CRY, 42% of married women in India were married as children (District Information System for Education (DISE). Out of these, 70% of the girls have at least two children (Census 2011). Thus, the plight of the girl child in India remains a matter of concern for us Indians.
Why do we celebrate National Girl Child Day?
January 24 is celebrated as National Girl Child Day. Ministry of Women and Child Development and he Government of India conceived this idea in the year 2008. The aim is to spread awareness among Indians about the inequalities, discrimination and exploitation girls face in their everyday lives. Individuals or groups come together for various programs, including awareness campaigns to inform people, especially our youth, about the rights of a girl child and on the importance of their education, health, and nutrition.
How does celebrating National Girl Child Day help students?
It is the learners of today that become leaders tomorrow. Hence, making them aware of the plight of the girl child and the importance of National Girl Child Day is extremely important.
Raising awareness in society
One of the reasons for incepting National Girl Child Day was to raise awareness of the environment that society has created for the girl child. Today's youth is extremely active when it comes to connecting, networking and sharing ideas through social media. This revolutionizing phenomenon contributes immensely to this cause by spreading its message further.
Overcoming inequality and fighting discrimination
Inequality and discrimination are rampant across every stratum of Indian society. From a very tender age, they are deprived of basic needs such as education. Especially prevalent in rural India, girls are considered as a liability and thus are married at an early age. Empowering them with education is the best way to uplift them. Our youth has the power to change such stereotyped social norms and prejudices while bringing a positive change in society.
Creating a safer world for girls
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), about 30% of women in India between the age group of 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Thus, ensuring a safe environment for girls is of utmost importance. This can only happen if all of us work together and create a space where girls can be independent without being afraid.
The most significant contribution to the cause of a girl child comes from our students or learners who later become the pillars of progressive ideals. Together we can create a generation of empowered girls who grow to become tomorrow's empowered women and ultimately transform society as a whole!
