National girl child day- 24th January
Happy National Girl Child Day! Let's learn more about these courageous Indian women. The objective of celebrating National Girl Child Day is:
1. The day was chosen to promote gender equality and address the challenges associated with gender stereotypes related to girls. 2. The goal is to spread the knowledge and awareness about girl education and empower girls with the chance to realise their own potential. 3. Focus is also on protecting girl’s rights and safeguarding them against malnutrition, gender violence and early child marriages. National Girl Child Day was implemented for the first time by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008 also marks the launch date of “Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao” by the Prime Minister on 22 January 2015. The National Girl Child Day initiative is taken up by three ministries including Ministry of Women and child development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Education. The goal is to focus on the issue of declining child sex ratio. This year, the theme for National Girl Child Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Girls for a Bright Future’ the theme is to listen to girls and invest in proven solutions accelerating progress towards a future in which every girl fulfills their potential. Empowering girls leads to significant benefits not only for them but also for their families and communities. Educated girls are more likely to contribute positively to society, break the cycle of poverty and advocate for their rights. However, despite these advantages, girls continue to face numerous obstacles such as gender discrimination, poverty and violence. Addressing these issues is essential for creating a more equitable world. As we reflect on the importance of these observances, it becomes clear that collective action is necessary. Governments, organizations and individuals must work together to promote policies that support girls' education, health and safety. In conclusion, let us commit to fostering an environment where every girl can realize her potential. By celebrating their achievements and amplifying their voices, we can ensure that the aspirations of girls are not just dreams but achievable realities. Together, we can build a world where every girl is empowered to shape her destiny and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dwarka City took views of few residents to mark the National girl child day-
One should feel immense pride in becoming a parent of a girl child. In many parts of India, the arrival of a girl is celebrated as the arrival of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Girls are a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Despite this, gender discrimination persists in many forms, from birth through adulthood. Issues such as fewer months of breastfeeding, inadequate medical care, insufficient nutrition and neglect during prenatal, natal and post-natal stages make girls more vulnerable to poor health and shorter lifespans.
The benefits of educating girls are transformative. Educated girls are healthier, have better economic outcomes, and positively impact their families and communities. They inspire others, break cycles of discrimination, and advocate for equality. However, challenges such as the glass ceiling effect, pay disparities and exclusion from decision-making processes remain pervasive, particularly in urban workplaces. Moreover, patriarchal norms still deprive many women of their rightful share in ancestral property. National Girl Child Day is a call to action for all of us to break these barriers and create a society where girls are nurtured, empowered and celebrated for the incredible potential they bring to the world. The Day celebrated annually on January 24 in India, is a poignant reminder of the critical role girls play in shaping a brighter and more equitable society. It is a day to celebrate their potential and raise awareness about their rights, welfare and education.
1. The day was chosen to promote gender equality and address the challenges associated with gender stereotypes related to girls. 2. The goal is to spread the knowledge and awareness about girl education and empower girls with the chance to realise their own potential. 3. Focus is also on protecting girl’s rights and safeguarding them against malnutrition, gender violence and early child marriages. National Girl Child Day was implemented for the first time by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008 also marks the launch date of “Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao” by the Prime Minister on 22 January 2015. The National Girl Child Day initiative is taken up by three ministries including Ministry of Women and child development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Education. The goal is to focus on the issue of declining child sex ratio. This year, the theme for National Girl Child Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Girls for a Bright Future’ the theme is to listen to girls and invest in proven solutions accelerating progress towards a future in which every girl fulfills their potential. Empowering girls leads to significant benefits not only for them but also for their families and communities. Educated girls are more likely to contribute positively to society, break the cycle of poverty and advocate for their rights. However, despite these advantages, girls continue to face numerous obstacles such as gender discrimination, poverty and violence. Addressing these issues is essential for creating a more equitable world. As we reflect on the importance of these observances, it becomes clear that collective action is necessary. Governments, organizations and individuals must work together to promote policies that support girls' education, health and safety. In conclusion, let us commit to fostering an environment where every girl can realize her potential. By celebrating their achievements and amplifying their voices, we can ensure that the aspirations of girls are not just dreams but achievable realities. Together, we can build a world where every girl is empowered to shape her destiny and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dwarka City took views of few residents to mark the National girl child day-
One should feel immense pride in becoming a parent of a girl child. In many parts of India, the arrival of a girl is celebrated as the arrival of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Girls are a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Despite this, gender discrimination persists in many forms, from birth through adulthood. Issues such as fewer months of breastfeeding, inadequate medical care, insufficient nutrition and neglect during prenatal, natal and post-natal stages make girls more vulnerable to poor health and shorter lifespans.
The benefits of educating girls are transformative. Educated girls are healthier, have better economic outcomes, and positively impact their families and communities. They inspire others, break cycles of discrimination, and advocate for equality. However, challenges such as the glass ceiling effect, pay disparities and exclusion from decision-making processes remain pervasive, particularly in urban workplaces. Moreover, patriarchal norms still deprive many women of their rightful share in ancestral property. National Girl Child Day is a call to action for all of us to break these barriers and create a society where girls are nurtured, empowered and celebrated for the incredible potential they bring to the world. The Day celebrated annually on January 24 in India, is a poignant reminder of the critical role girls play in shaping a brighter and more equitable society. It is a day to celebrate their potential and raise awareness about their rights, welfare and education.
P. Menon
National Girl Child Day: Needonomics Vision for Egalitarian Development Needonomics School of Thought extends warm greetings to the readers of Dwarka City on National Girl Child Day on January 24. This day reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the rights, welfare and empowerment of every girl child in society. National Girl Child Day addresses gender discrimination and highlights the importance of education, health, and safety for girls. It also promotes gender equality and opportunities for girls to thrive. Needonomics focus on genuine needs over unnecessary desires and greed - are pivotal in tackling challenges faced by girls. This philosophy advocates for balanced, ethical resource utilization and decision-making to benefit the girl child. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, yet many girls in India lack access to quality education. Needonomics emphasizes prioritizing investments in inclusive education to equip girls for a brighter future. In healthcare, Needonomics supports frameworks ensuring adequate nutrition, vaccination, and reproductive health education for girls. Deep-rooted societal biases restrict girls' potential. By applying Needonomics, families and communities can foster values of equality and inclusion, enabling girls to aspire and succeed. While initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have made strides, community participation is essential. Needonomics encourages citizens, educators and organizations to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and safety, focusing on need-based actions over wasteful practices.
Let us pledge to empower every girl to dream and thrive, ensuring our actions align with their genuine needs. Together, we can build a more equitable and prosperous society.
Prof M. M. Goel, Prabha Apartments.
Shweta Singh
Data on girl child empowerment presents an inspiring vision, but the reality often falls short. Despite efforts to educate girls about their rights and offer opportunities for growth, many faces significant obstacles. In many parts of the world, girls are denied education, forced into early marriages, or subjected to harmful practices that limit their potential. Ensuring access to education, safety and equal rights is crucial for enabling girls to thrive, break societal barriers and embrace leadership roles. Instilling confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy is essential for their empowerment. Empowering girls today is not just about securing a brighter future for them; it's about creating a more equal tomorrow for everyone. When we lift up girls, we uplift society and the entire world.
Shashi Chhetri, Lead Data Analyst, UVNAC
'National Girl Child Day' is observed on January 24 every year. It serves as an important occasion to raise awareness about the rights of girls and the various challenges they face, such as gender discrimination, lack of education, child marriage, inequality in health and nutrition etc. The observance of this day aims to promote gender equality and empower girls at the same time ensuring that their rights are fully protected, and they have access to opportunities for a better future. Key objectives of National Girl Child Day include raising awareness about the importance of providing equal opportunities and rights to girls, in education, health and other fields. To encourage girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations without fear of discrimination or limitations based on gender. One of the objectives is also to draw attention to issues such as female foeticide, malnutrition and the challenges girls face in accessing education and healthcare. It also inculcates advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure the well-being, development and protection of girls. National Girl Child Day is an initiative to call for action for everyone to work towards building a society where every girl can grow up with equal opportunities, freedom and the ability to realize her full potential.
Subbiah Sridhar
Freelance Writer & Former Indian Diplomat
Panchsheel Apartments, Sector – 4
Girls and women are integral to society, yet various socio-cultural phenomena undermine their contributions, sidelining them from the mainstream. The girl child faces numerous challenges, fighting for identity and equal opportunities. In rural India, girls are often burdened with household chores and regarded as liabilities. Despite constitutional rights guaranteeing equality and dignity, societal stigma persists, leaving girls and women marginalized in social, cultural, political, and economic aspects. Globally, the United Nations and organizations like WHO and UNICEF have actively addressed child welfare, passing declarations like the Geneva Declaration (1924) and the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959). In India, where women make up 48% of the population, government schemes such as "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao" are creating awareness and showing positive outcomes. However, challenges like school dropouts, lack of sanitation, and limited access to resources persist. The Planning Commission of India, WHO, and UNICEF are working to improve school facilities, clean water, and sanitation, aiming to eliminate barriers that hinder girls' education and growth. A nation's development depends on the equal participation of all citizens, including girls and women. Empowering them will pave the way for a morally and economically strong society.
Aradhana Das Sinha
Cyclist & Teacher, Urban Cyclist Dwarka
Every year, 24th January is observed as National Girl Child Day in India, a day dedicated to celebrating the importance and value of the girl child. Ironically, in a country where girls are worshipped as 'Kanjak' during festivals like Navratri, the birth of a girl is often met with silence and subtle consolation in families. Phrases like "Don't worry, Lakshmi has arrived" are heard, but they lack genuine joy. On the other hand, the birth of a boy is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and special efforts are made for his education and career. Sadly, the same attention is rarely given to a girl child. The safety of girls, from a young age to adulthood, remains a major concern in India. Shockingly, close relatives, including real uncles and cousin brothers, often pose the biggest threat to their safety. They misuse their proximity to the child, leaving her vulnerable to abuse, while instilling fear to maintain silence. Despite numerous political promises advocating for the safety and empowerment of girls, the harsh reality is that crimes such as molestation, rape and harassment continue to rise. What we need is not just slogans, but a comprehensive social reform to address these issues. Empowering the girl child requires quality education, a safe environment and career-oriented programs. Building their confidence is essential to ensure their upliftment and to create a truly equal society.
Chander Bakshi
General Secretary, SCWA-Rosewood.
Research shows that girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young, more likely to lead healthy, productive lives and actively participate in decisions that shape their futures. Their lifetime earnings increase, national growth rates rise and societal inequalities diminish. Moreover, child marriage and maternal and child mortality rates decline, while family resilience strengthens. Despite this, 119 million girls worldwide remain out of school, with systemic barriers like poverty, child marriage, and gender-based violence keeping them from accessing education. In many places, schools lack safety measures, gender-responsive teaching, or basic amenities like hygiene facilities, further discouraging girls from attending.
Personally, my daughters inspire me every day. Watching them navigate life with curiosity, resilience, and determination reminds me of the potential that lies within every girl. It also reinforces the importance of creating environments where girls feel safe, supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams, especially in fields where they are underrepresented. As Michelle Obama aptly stated, “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” On National Girl Child Day, let us pledge to break barriers, promote gender-equitable education systems, and invest in our daughters' futures, not just for their sake but for the upliftment of society as “When you educate a girl, you educate an entire generation.”
Dr. Minal Chaudhary, Interventional Radiologist, Akash Hospital
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