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Empowering the Future: Celebrating National Girl Child Day and the Fight for Gender Equality

Writer's picture: Anushree DashAnushree Dash

National Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on January 24 in India, was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Government of India. This day serves as a reminder to society to reflect on and address the inequities faced by girls in India. While I’m not a big believer in dedicating "special days" to causes, as I think every day offers an opportunity to bring about change, I acknowledge the importance of such initiatives in amplifying conversations that often remain buried under the weight of societal norms.



 

One of the central themes of National Girl Child Day is advocacy for Gender Equality, Gender Balance and challenging Discrimination and ultimately achieving Gender Justice. These are not just ideals on paper—they are the foundation for a fairer, more inclusive society. Yet, for all our progress and proclamations about modernity, the harsh truth remains that deep-seated biases continue to cast a shadow over the lives of girls, shaping their paths long before they grow into women.

 

The Journey from Girl to Woman: Breaking Free from Bias


A girl child, as she grows, carries with her the weight of expectations, societal norms, and unspoken limitations. Even today, in countless homes and workplaces, gender inequality continues to thrive, often masked under casual remarks or cultural justifications.

Here are some common phrases that many girls, who eventually grow into women, have heard at different stages of life:

  • "You don’t understand."

  • "Watch it, she’s a female driver."

  • "You’re not taking care of the house or me properly."

  • "Why should I spend on you, especially after marriage?"

  • "Can’t you take leave since someone in the house is unwell?"

  • "My relationship with my parents isn’t good because of you."

  • "You’re a woman; you can’t be aggressive."

  • "We can’t spend on your studies because we need to save for your wedding."

 

At first glance, these statements might seem insignificant—mere words. But when repeated, they become a heavy burden that shapes how girls view themselves and their worth. They carry the message that no matter how much a girl achieves, she will always be judged by her ability to fulfill others’ expectations rather than her own aspirations.

 

The story of Disparity:


Let’s not sugarcoat it: this isn’t a new problem. For decades, girls and women have been treated as second-class citizens, whether openly or subtly. In earlier times, the restrictions placed on girls were more overt. Their roles were limited to managing households, getting married, and raising children. The idea of a girl having aspirations beyond these boundaries was almost unthinkable.

 

Today, things have improved, but only to an extent. Girls are more exposed to the world—they see the opportunities available to them, they understand their potential, and they dream bigger than ever before. But understanding their worth and achieving their worth are two different things. The challenges persist because the support systems, encouragement, and opportunities extended to boys are often not equally available to girls.

 

Many parents still hesitate to invest in a girl’s education because they consider her future “temporary.” They prioritize a son’s education because “he will stay with us, but she will go to another family so really doesn't matter if education is completed or not.” This ingrained bias results in lost potential, not just for the girl but for society as a whole.

 

The Silent Toll on the Mind


What many fail to understand is the silent toll such discrimination takes on the minds of young girls and women. It chips away at their confidence, their self-worth, and their sense of identity. It creates a constant battle between their aspirations and the societal expectations imposed on them.

 

For instance, imagine being told you can’t pursue your education because your family needs to save for your wedding. Or being told you should prioritize caregiving over your career, while your male counterpart is encouraged to chase his dreams without restrictions. Such scenarios are not just unfair—they are harmful. They create an internalized belief that a girl’s worth is tied to how well she fulfils others’ expectations, rather than her own dreams and abilities.

 

Discrimination isn’t always about overt actions; it’s often about subtle expectations and unspoken rules. Consider this:

  • Why are women (a grown-up girl child) expected to bear the primary responsibility for caregiving, even when they have full-time careers?

  • Why is a woman’s (a grown-up girl child) ambition seen as selfish or misplaced, while a man’s ambition is celebrated?

 

These biases manifest in everyday interactions, and they leave scars. Girls grow up internalizing these messages, often doubting their capabilities or feeling guilty for wanting more from life. The result? A society that consistently underutilizes half its potential.

 

Why Asking for Rights Isn’t Enough


One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: asking for our rights from others doesn’t work. Change doesn’t come from waiting for permission or seeking validation. Women need to stand up for themselves and for each other. The fight for equality isn’t just about demanding better laws or policies; it’s about changing mindsets.

 

Each woman must recognize her worth and refuse to accept anything less. At the same time, we must lift each other up—celebrating each other’s successes, supporting each other’s struggles, and speaking up against injustice.

 

The path to true equality requires solidarity. A girl child will grow into a woman someday, and what she achieves will depend not just on her individual efforts but also on the collective support of the women who came before her.

 

The girl child of today is the woman of tomorrow. Let’s give her the wings she needs to soar.

It’s easy to dismiss such days as token gestures, but even small actions can create ripples. If this write-up makes two people pause and rethink their biases or behaviour, I would consider it a success. Real change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with conversations and conversations begins with thoughts like these.

 

Let’s make a conscious effort to challenge the norms that hold us back. Let’s question the stereotypes we’ve internalized and create a world where every girl child can dream freely and achieve fearlessly.


Push for Action

To every girl child out there: You are strong, capable, and deserving of every opportunity the world has to offer. And to every woman: Stand tall, support one another, and never settle for less than you deserve. Together, we can create a future where no girl is treated as a second-class citizen.

 

"When Girls Thrive, Humanity Flourishes."


Asking for equality is not enough. Each and every woman must rise to claim her space and help others do the same. Change begins with us, and it starts today.

 

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