Advocating for Change on International Day of the Girl Child

Safalta Expert Published by: Kapil Verma Updated Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:16 AM IST

Highlights

There are almost as many Girls as Boys born, at any specific time, in the world. The balance is around 101 males per 100 females, according to the United Nations.  At birth, Girls are slightly less than boys, at a rate of around 105 boys per 100 girls, with male births ranging from 103 to 107 per 100 girls in most countries.

Source: Safalta

The International Day of the Girl Child raises awareness of the issues that girls are facing and encourages girls to be empowered and realize their human rights. To have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy existence throughout their formative years, girls also have this right as they develop into women.

Girls have the capacity to transform the world if given the right encouragement and education, both as powerful women of today and as future moms, businesswomen, mentors, home heads, and political leaders.
Investing in girls' empowerment now safeguards their rights and ensures a more equitable and prosperous future where the other half of humankind is an equal participant in tackling issues like sickness, political conflict, economic development, and climate change.

Theme: Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being

First time in History the Beijing Conference made the way for a better future for Girl Child. The "Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action" was published in 1995 to advocate a strategy to promote girls' rights.

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There are almost as many Girls as Boys born, at any specific time, in the world. The balance is around 101 males per 100 females, according to the United Nations.  At birth, Girls are slightly less than boys, at a rate of around 105 boys per 100 girls, with male births ranging from 103 to 107 per 100 girls in most countries.

But in many places around the world female infanticide happens, and reasons may vary from place to place. It is the harsh act of killing female infants immediately after birth or even during pregnancy. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to female infanticide:
 


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  • Gender Bias and Discrimination:  One of the main causes of female child killing is gender bias and discrimination against Girl children. Parents unable or unwilling to conceive a female child may intend to infanticide in communities where boys are traditionally viewed as superior.
  • Economic Factors:  Economic factors play a major role. Unlike girls, who are perceived as a financial burden due to dowry and marriage costs, families may view men as potential breadwinners who would support them financially in old age. These financial burdens can influence a community's decision to commit infanticide.   
  • Dowry System:  Infanticide is an option in some dowry communities when there is concern about spending a lot of money on a daughter's wedding. The custom of demanding a dowry from the bride's family could place an unbearable financial burden on some households.
  • Gender-selective Technology:  Advances in medical technology have made sex-selective procedures possible, such as sex-selective abortion. This method was occasionally used to ensure the delivery of male infants, resulting in an unbalanced sex ratio at birth.
  • Religious and Cultural Norms:  Some societies may reinforce the idea that male offspring are more valuable or desirable through religious or cultural standards that promote gender bias.
  • Patriarchy:  In societies with strict patriarchal systems, the killing of female children is more likely because women are often devalued and discriminated against.
  • Limited Education and Awareness:  In communities with limited access to education and awareness, women's rights and values may not be adequately recognized. Because of this ignorance, infanticide and other harmful behaviors can continue.
  • Cultural and traditional beliefs:  Gender-based violence and discrimination, including infanticide, can be perpetuated by cultural and traditional beliefs such as favoring male heirs or maintaining patriarchal standards.    
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In many areas, girls face a variety of difficulties, including female infanticide, uneven access to school, underage marriage, and a lack of health facilities. These issues have significant and long-term impacts not only on individual Girls but also on society as a whole When girls are denied their basic rights, poverty, and inequality.

Initiative for the Betterment of the Girl Child
  • Awareness and Advocacy:  Every problem must first be identified in order to be solved. This program advocates for girls' rights and raises awareness of the issues they face. It promotes free discussion within communities while criticizing customs that promote gender discrimination.
  • Access to Quality Education:  The power of education is creating change for the future. The program aims to ensure that all girls have access to quality education. Girls who receive an education are better able to take control of their lives, give back to their communities, and escape the cycle of poverty.
  • Healthcare and Nutrition:  Girls' health and well-being depend on access to quality healthcare. By ensuring girls have access to healthcare and nutrition, this project aims to reduce the risk of maternal mortality, malnutrition, and other health problems.
  • Empowerment:  Empowered girls become agents of change in their neighborhoods. The program encourages women to speak up, participate in decision-making, and challenge conventional gender stereotypes.
  • Legal Protections:  Legal action is essential to end practices such as child marriage and female infanticide. The program works with local governments to enforce laws that protect girls' rights and promote legal improvements.
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How Everyone Can Contribute

Everyone can make a significant contribution to our international efforts to protect girls. Your contribution counts, be it in the form of money, time, or advertising. By participating in this initiative, you take on the role of a change agent and supporter of girls' rights.

 

The "Save the Girl Child" movement is altering the world for the better; it is more than simply a campaign. It's a name to action to acknowledge that each and every girl has the same possible cost as each guy. We empower our future by means of empowering females. Let's band together, do our part, and make positive that each and every lady youngster has the threat to flourish and recognize her full potential. Together, we can create a society the place gender equality is a reality, where every girl's existence is honored and treasured, and where prejudice has no place.

Why is International Girl Child Day celebrated?

The aim of International Day of the Girl Child is to promote the rights and well-being of girls by drawing attention to the unique issues and challenges they face.

When is International Girl Child Day celebrated?

October 11th is declared International Day of the Child Child every year.

What is International Girl Child Day?

The aim of International Day of the Girl Child is to promote the rights and well-being of girls by drawing attention to the unique issues and challenges they face.

What are the main objectives of International Girl Child Day?

The main goals are to advance gender equality, give girls more authority, and fight against prejudice and abuse against girls.

What are the key challenges faced by girls around the world?

Inequalities in access to education, gender-based violence, child marriage, and fewer opportunities for women to reach their full potential are all problems.

Are there specific themes for International Girl Child Day each year?

Yes, the day often has a specific theme that focuses on various aspects of girls' rights and empowerment.

How does the United Nations support International Girl Child Day?

The promotion and support of activities and events related to the Day are heavily influenced by the United Nations.

What is the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in this initiative?

NGOs work on the ground to develop initiatives and programs that improve the lives of girls by providing them with protection, healthcare and education.

What can individuals and communities do to promote girls' rights on this day?

Discussions, seminars and awareness campaigns can be organized by communities and individuals, and they can also support programs that help women.

How does the celebration of International Girl Child Day vary across different countries and cultures?

The way the day is celebrated can vary greatly depending on cultural practices and regional efforts.

What is the role of parents and families in supporting the rights of the girl child?

From birth through adolescence, parents and families play a critical role in ensuring girls have equal opportunities and safety.

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