By Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
International Day of the Girl Child is an annual global observance declared by the United Nations. It was first celebrated on October 11, 2012, and since then, every year, this day has been dedicated to raising awareness about the rights and challenges of girls worldwide. The day highlights gender inequality in education, nutrition, legal rights, healthcare, and protection from violence, discrimination, and forced child marriage.
The theme for International Day of the Girl Child 2025 is “I am a girl, I lead change: Girls on the front lines of crisis.” This theme recognizes the strength, leadership, and courage of girls, especially in crisis situations. It urges the world to see girls not as victims but as active leaders of change. It calls for global investment in their education, safety, and health so that they can help shape a better, inclusive future.
Despite remarkable progress, girls still face numerous social evils that obstruct their growth. Discrimination begins even before birth. Every year, millions of female fetuses are aborted. In India alone, between three and seven lakh female fetuses are destroyed annually. This has created a gender imbalance—there are 50 million more men than women in the country. Even in educated and urban families, daughters often receive less food, education, and care than sons. The mindset that considers sons as old-age support and daughters as burdens remains deep-rooted.
However, there is a ray of hope. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has sparked social awareness. The Minister of Women and Child Development informed Parliament that the sex ratio at birth (SRB) has improved by 12 points, from 918 in 2014 to 930 in 2023-24. This reflects a gradual shift in mindset toward valuing girls.
It is unfortunate that while we worship goddesses in temples, we still grieve when a girl is born at home. In some states, the birth of a girl is still considered a curse. People forget that India is the land of brave women like Rani Lakshmibai, who gave their lives for the nation. Yet, the birth of a daughter still brings anxiety about her marriage rather than joy about her future. Costly weddings and dowry fears haunt many families. This thinking has led to female foeticide and an alarming decline in the number of girls, disturbing the balance of society.
If daughters receive education, respect, and opportunities, they can excel in every field. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao movement should not be seen as a government program alone but as a shared social responsibility. Educate every girl, empower her to dream, and ensure her safety. Let her grow without fear, so she can proudly say, “I am my parents’ pride.”
Today, girls are proving their strength in every field. From defense to technology, from politics to business, they are leading with determination. They are hardworking, disciplined, and responsible. Women are now a driving force in India’s economy, contributing to labor, innovation, and enterprise.
On one hand, girls are still being killed in the womb, and on the other, daughters like Mohana Singh from Jhunjhunu district are making history as fighter pilots. Her success symbolizes the limitless potential of every girl, if only she is given the chance. Society must unite to end gender discrimination and build a culture of equality and safety. Unfortunately, crimes like rape and harassment remain widespread. Many girls still fear for their safety at home, in schools, and in workplaces.
Educated citizens must take the lead to end female foeticide and violence against women. Awareness must replace ignorance. Every individual should pledge never to harm a girl or remain silent if others do. Both the government and society must work hand in hand to ensure safety, dignity, and equality for girls.
A girl is not a burden; she is the foundation of the family, the nurturer of values, and the symbol of compassion. She is the mother who gives life, the daughter who brings joy, and the wife who shares responsibility. Yet, she continues to face neglect and disrespect.
The future of our society depends on how we value our daughters today. Empowering girls through education, healthcare, legal rights, and equal opportunities is not only a moral duty but a necessity for balanced and sustainable development. A nation that uplifts its daughters builds its own future.
Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
Phone: 9414255034
