National Girl Child Day

 

“To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”

-Hillary Clinton

Wishing each and every girl, woman out there a very happy National Girl Child Day!!!!!!

National Girl Child Day was started back in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child with the aim of highlighting the inequalities faced by girls at many levels in our society.

The purpose behind celebrating this day is to create awareness on a number of topics like rights of a girl child, importance of education, proper nutrition and health.

The day demands that people must acknowledge the problems which prevent the girl child from exercising her basic rights and find ways to contribute as much as they can to the solution.

The theme of National Girl Child Day for 2022 is “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow“. Definitely the girls must be given the opportunity not only to show their hidden talent but also to live their life with full freedom.

If someone brought up the topic of gender preference, do you react by saying, 'Gender preference? Really? Isn't it a thing of the past?' Your reaction is probably due to the fact that you see around you more girls among top-ranking students; more women having jobs, access to education, money, and resources; more women holding positions of authority and making strides in all fields. Women such as Indira Gandhi, Margarate Thatcher, Golda Meir, Vijay Laxmi Pandit, Kiran Bedi have proved themselves in all manners, better than their male counterparts. These women shaped their own destiny as well as their country’s destiny in such an efficient manner that made the whole society proud of them. But, what about all those girls and women who didn't even get a chance to live?

Although twenty-first century India is developing at a fast pace, there is still a preference for a male child among scores of people. Perceived as the alpha, the protector, and provider, sons are considered as assets whether for political, economic, or ritual reasons while daughters are considered burdensome liabilities.

This gender preference is due to socio-cultural factors like dowry, wedding expenses, the custom of gift-giving, the inability of girls to take care of parents after marriage, domestic violence, ill-treatment by husbands and in-laws, ill-treatment on account of giving birth to a girl, and so on. This gender preference goes hand-in-hand with gender discrimination.

While India shows a high degree of gender inequality or gender discrimination, it isn't the only country where this phenomenon exists. In many countries around the world, women are fighting for the right to vote, to choose what they wish to wear, and to own property, among others.

Today’s modern and educated women have shed away their inhibitions and fears. They are actively participating in the personal and professional sphere. Rightfully, our role in the development of modern India is phenomenal.

On one hand we can be perfect homemakers, and on the other hand we have been successful in the roles of professionals, academicians, bureaucrats and politicians. the modern Indian Women have honed their skills and have jumped into a battlefield of life fighting against social restrictions, emotional ties, religious boundaries and cultural clutches.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Indra Nooyi, Shobana, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chitra Ramakrishna, Shikha Sharma, Chanda Kochar, Vinita Bali, Naina Lal Kidwai are some of the women who are contributing in their unique way in economic journey of India as CEO’s or Heads of various organisations and financial institutions. Mary Kom, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, have made their presence strongly felt in the field of sports.

While India was struggling to get free itself from the clutches of British Raj, the women folk came forward to shoulder the responsibility. Rani Laxmibai is an epitome of bravery and courage displayed by a woman. A number of freedom fighters such as Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kriplani, Vijay Laxmi Pandit played an important role in the struggle for Independence. The exemplary display of courage and determination hinted towards the hidden capabilities of the women.

With such strengths that women possess, why should they continue to be sidelined? The girls of today are proving themselves equal to boys in every respect. They are distinguishing themselves as achievers in every field, from academics to sport to profession. They are successfully playing multiple roles in every sphere of life. Their will to develop and help others develop alongside is what can take our society forward. They are meant to be 50 percent of the population, their voices matter in creating a more equitable community. Moreover, they make a 'house' feel like 'home'. So let us all lift each other, let’s grow together, lets empower each other to a brighter future ahead. Be proud of yourself, as we are the one who are made up of courage, determination, sacrifice, commitment, talent and love.