The need for urgent action to support girls cannot be overstated in the present scenario. Investing in girls’ future is a direct investment in the collective future of global society.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us reaffirm our commitment to championing the rights of every girl and helping them realize their full potential. The time to act is now, for when girls thrive, society thrives.
The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11. It is a powerful reminder about the need to empower and protect girls worldwide. This day also highlights the importance of gender equality, education, and opportunities for young girls, ensuring that girls are equipped with the tools to lead and shape their futures.
As per an official note, in 1995, the World Conference on Women in Beijing marked a turning point for advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide. Countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive framework established to promote gender equality. The declaration specifically acknowledged the distinct rights of girls and called for comprehensive global action to address their unique needs and challenges.
Building on this global momentum, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011, designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. It propagates that adolescent girls should have equal opportunities for education, safety, and healthcare, just as boys do. If girls are effectively supported during their formative years, they have the power to become able workers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers of tomorrow.
The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” Research by UNICEF shows that girls remain hopeful and determined to create a better future, despite facing numerous challenges. Every day, girls around the world are working toward a vision in which they are protected, respected, and empowered. For this, they need allies in the form of governments, communities, and individuals—who listen to and respond to their needs. When girls are supported with the right resources and opportunities, their potential is limitless.
The simple fact of being born a girl should not determine the scope of one’s future. Unfortunately, for millions of girls around the world, their gender still restricts their choices, limits their futures, and denies them basic rights. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With correct initiatives and collective efforts, it is possible to fast-track progress toward a future where every girl has access to the health care, education, and skills necessary to succeed. The Indian Constitution upholds the principle of gender equality. Women are granted fundamental rights that protect them from discrimination based on sex and gender.
Empower Girls, Empower Future
The Indian government has introduced a comprehensive range of schemes, which are aimed at empowering girls by recognizing their pivotal role in society. Initiatives such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana” underscore efforts to promote gender equality and secure the future of girls by encouraging savings for education and marriage. Launched in 2015, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana allows parents to invest in their daughters’ futures, ensuring financial security and equal opportunities.
In addition, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene address health and nutritional needs among women. Udaan is an innovative project launched in 2014 that aims to address the low enrollment of female students in prestigious engineering institutions and bridge the gap between school education and engineering entrance examinations. The National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE), launched in May 2008, aims to enhance educational opportunities for girls, particularly those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Educational initiatives like Udaan and the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education are designed to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates.
Further, Legal measures to empower and protect the girl child include several key initiatives. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, aims to eliminate child marriage by penalizing those involved. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, addresses child abuse. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, ensures the care and protection of children in need. Mission Vatsalya focuses on child development and protection, with services like the Child Helpline and the Track Child portal to assist missing children. Track Child portal has been functional since the year 2012. This portal facilitates the matching of ‘missing’ children being reported at Police stations with those ‘found’ children who are residing in the Child Care Institutions (CCIs). The PM CARES for Children Scheme supports children orphaned by COVID-19.
In addition, collaborations with NIMHANS and the E-SAMPARK program provide mental health and medical care. Together, these efforts foster a secure environment, promoting the rights and well-being of girls in India.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
Comments