For sustainable development and societal change, investing in girls’ well-being and education is an important factor, which is often overlooked. The concept referred to as ‘girl capital’ highlights the several multiplier effects that might be derived from girl’s employment, education and health, like, boosting productivity and incomes, reduction on teenage pregnancy, and improved health.
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation that has partnered with the Rajasthan government has put in 100,000 girls in secondary school indicating the impact of such investments. If this can be done then the marketing principle of targeting a specific population will work, as India seeks to become the third largest economy in the whole world. The targeted population being the 120 million girls between 10-19 years.
The rights of girl child in terms of education, health and access to digital technology are being enhanced through the initiatives of the Indian government through organizations such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Global Initiative of Digital Health and the Digital Girls’ Hub. In addition, creative ideas such as the Skill Impact Bond have improved job and necessary skills for underprivileged girls.
India’s push for the adoption of digital technology has therefore accelerated these efforts, reforming public services, education and financial access. In order to ensure that the benefits of these initiatives are distributed evenly, it is crucial to consider the gender divide.
To realize the dream of Viksit Bharat, investing in girl capital has to continue. However, empowering girls is not only the moral thing to do for the people of India but also it is a smart business strategy that may have a great impact on India’s development and the progress of sustainable development worldwide.
Importance of Girl Capital
Empowering Future Generations
Those girls who take healthcare services and quality education will become an asset to society. Intelligent women are known to leverage their children’s well-being and learning, and because of such a cycle, more development is experienced in the society at large.
Economic Impact
Investments in health and education of the girl child has a positive economic impact. According to World Bank, an extra year of learning for a woman may increase her earnings between 10% and 20%. This fosters development of the economy. Confident girls are able to lead, make sound decisions and encourage positive change within societies. They contribute to economic and social development in the workforce as well as in participation of public activities.
Current challenges
Educational Barriers
Girls’ education is still lagging behind particularly in poor and rural settings. Some of the challenges include poverty, early marriage and education culture that discriminates the education of the girl child over the male child.
Health and Nutrition
The girls are mostly exposed to health inequalities resulting from poor access to health services and in adequate dietary products. Three needs that need to be addressed are mentioned below: the need for access to and education about general health services, reproductive health, and menstrual health.
Safety and Protection
Girls’ capabilities and future are still in peril with respect to discrimination against girls, girl child marriage, and girl trafficking. Education of the girl child should be protected by embracing and upholding the fundamental importance of the girl child’s safety.
The goal of Viksit Bharat will not be achieved unless a constant and collective effort is made to improve the conditions of girls’ lives. The rate and achievements of development objectives set in India can be supplemented with the potential of young women. India should strive to create a more active, productive and safe society through addressing problems of education, health and nutrition of women.
Diksha Nayyar is a versatile writer with a passion for creating engaging and insightful articles on a wide range of topics. With a background in Journalism, she brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality content. Diksha has written extensively about health, social issues and technology, aiming to inform and inspire readers. Outside of writing, she enjoys trying out new restaurants and playing with dogs.
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