The Significance of Girl Child Rights in Modern Society

28/06/24

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Unveiling the Power and Potential of the Girl Child

A girl child is not only a beneficiary of progress but also a driver of change. As a leader, innovator, and advocate, she challenges outdated norms and discriminatory practices, paving the way for gender equality and social justice. Her voice amplifies the call for equal opportunities, inspiring others to strive for a world where every child, regardless of gender, can fulfill their potential without fear of discrimination or limitation.

In valuing the girl child, we uphold the principles of human rights and dignity. We recognize her as a vital participant in shaping a sustainable future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Embracing her potential means embracing the promise of a more equitable and prosperous world for all.

The girl child embodies profound significance that transcends mere numbers or statistics; she represents the promise of a brighter future for families, communities, and societies at large. From birth, her potential is boundless, yet too often constrained by social, cultural, and economic barriers. Recognizing the importance of a girl child involves embracing her rights to health, education, equality, and protection from harm.

Educating a girl child is not merely an investment in her future but a catalyst for progress across generations. When she is educated, she breaks the cycle of poverty, becoming a force for economic growth and social development. Empowered with knowledge, she makes informed choices about her health, family, and future. By delaying marriage and childbirth, she improves maternal and child health outcomes, ensuring healthier and more resilient communities.

Transforming the perception of girls as liabilities requires grassroots-level change. While awareness is crucial, stringent laws are essential to deter practices like female foeticide.

Education plays a pivotal role in empowering girls, starting early in life and continuing to provide quality, holistic learning experiences. Sending more girls to school yields numerous benefits. Educated girls are equipped to make informed decisions, such as seeking appropriate healthcare when ill, due to their enhanced understanding and awareness.

Moreover, societies where girls receive education witness fewer child marriages, reduced poverty levels, and increased participation of women in socio-economic activities. The impact of educating a girl extends far beyond her individual benefits, affecting entire generations. Indeed, it is rightly acknowledged that when a woman is educated, the benefits cascade throughout society, fostering progress and prosperity for all.

Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao Scheme (BBBP) of the Indian Government

Literally meaning ‘Educate the Girl Child, Save the Girl Child’ the Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao Scheme is an ambitious scheme of the Government of India which is intended to generate massive awareness, improvement of quality of welfare services for females and helping them (girls and women) access these services better. Introduced in October of 2014, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme goes on to address the declining Child Sex Ratio in the country. The scheme is being rolled out through pan-India campaigns with focus on 100 worst-performing districts in terms of CSR. It is a joint initiative of three important Central Government ministries – the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.

There is an urgent need to change this archaic mindset of the patriarchal Indian society which views girls as liabilities. It needs to be established that girls are in no way less than boys. When given the right chances to nurture their talent and skills, they have it in them to excel in different areas of life. It is therefore imperative that both government and non-government organizations work in cohesion to spread the message of saving and educating the girl child. You can donate online to NGOs to lend your support to this movement.

Pulkit Arora

Manager-Brand & Communication

“With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. As a Digital Marketing Manager for digital Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), I have honed my expertise in orchestrating impactful campaigns online and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to drive positive change."