A Jewel of inestimable value
The pearl of the oceans
Though like a diamond in the dirt,
She is usually undervalued
By Gyari Matthew Terlumun

Sparkling eyes, a smile that can light up even the darkest corners of the world, gifted with an inquisitive mind that can dare to question the world around, filled with a spirit of life and love, she is a divine endowment bestowed upon humankind. Many poets and writers have defined her as invaluable as a jem- beautiful and perfect, radiant and flawless while some have called her a pearl- a symbol of purity and fertility. Yet, undervalued even in this modern society, eclipsed and is considered the second string.

In the early Vedic era, the birth of a girl child was celebrated with reverence as females were regarded as the upper crust in society then. The girl child was well brought up, exposed to exceptional educational opportunities, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to all sorts of socio-cultural activities of the community. She was raised to become a seer and philosopher like Maitrey who composed 10 hymns that are part of the Rig Veda, and taught to think critically much like Gragi to question the very essence of existence. During that era, the girl child was not just instilled with the skills that would help her to be a perfect homemaker when she grew up, but her innate potential was identified and nurtured to pay it forward to human civilization. She was thoroughly prepared to hold positions in war just like Satyabhama and Kaikeyee. Equally existed in every sphere of life be it education, work, or religion.

Regrettably, this privilege did not last long. As time progressed the status of the female began to decline. The existence of a matriarchal society, where both genders were treated equally and equal rights were enjoyed by both genders faded. Discrimination crept into society. Marriage was never a compulsion earlier now was forcibly imposed on a girl child, and the right to receive basic education was stripped away. In the medieval era, all these factors led to the growing dependency of females on male family members. Even if we talk about our contemporary society, factors such as social biases continue to skew, with a severe preference for male children resulting in distortion in the sex ratio. The horrors of female foeticide persist and if a girl child is born often deemed inferior to boys in the home, and as they grow up, frequently objectified.

The Grueling Expedition of a Girl Child

I am a seed,
Planted in this soil called life.
In me lies fruits,
Fruits that will last for generations to come.

Nurture me,
Do not torture me,
Prune me,
Do not hewn me,
Love me,
Do not hate me,
Give me wings to fly high
like a bird for
I am the girl child.
By Blessing Ikponmwen

The challenges of a girl’s child commence way before her birth, and her parents might resort to an illegal procedure to terminate her life. Just in case she survives, there are fighting chances that her aspirations may face rejection, and live under the shadow of discrimination. Oppressed in society, harassed across the streets, and denied freedom to walk the streets without fear. Furthermore, her achievements are often erased or made to fade from the pages of history.

The selection of a specific gender preferably male is an ingrained societal practice passed down from generation to generation. This prejudice results from various economic, historical, and religious influences prioritizing sons over daughters. For instance, the family lineage is carried on by sons and even sons have the right to perform last rites for deceased parents. Though numerous amendments in inheritance laws prohibit gender discrimination, males dominate inheritance lines. Parents facing financial hardships marry off daughters to reduce their burden and ensure economic security for them. The immoral practice of giving and receiving dowry continues to subjugate them, forcing them into untenable situations.

The Bright Side

The latest studies conducted have indicated a positive shift and that Indian families are opting less for abortion procedures to avoid the birth of daughters. This change is the culmination of years of efforts by the government including large-scale promotion and advertisement campaigns urging parents to “Save the Girl Child” and a complete ban on prenatal gender tests. Besides, the rising level of education in society and improved economic status are also playing a pivotal role in fostering positive trends.

To tackle pressing issues such as female foeticide, child marriage and gender inequality prevailing in the country, the Ministry of Women & Child Development initiated National Girl Child Day in the year 2008. Since then, January 24 has been observed annually as National Girl Child Day which aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girl children not only in their early years but throughout their lives. In addition, it advocates the importance of educating daughters and emphasizes health and nutrition for their overall development and well-being. The day also advocates empowering girls by creating a supportive environment that nurtures their potential.

Punjab government’s Initiatives for girl child’s empowerment

The national gender ratio at birth has improved to a great extent over the years. It has risen from 918 in 2014-2015 to 930 in 2023-24. As a result of the dedicated efforts of the Punjab government towards the empowerment of women and gender parity, the state has recorded an unprecedented improvement in the birth ratio of girls, from 75.51% to 78%. In addition to this, institutional deliveries have also risen to 97.3% from 61%. No stone is left unturned by the Punjab government to balance the gender ratio and promote the birth of girls through the implementation of special initiatives. Moreover, Punjab’s endeavors under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ have been recognized by Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development.

Ashirwad Scheme

Many families fear having a girl child because of the burden of arranging for a steep dowry to get a girl married to the most suitable boy in our society. To tackle this problem Punjab government has taken a significant step and launched ‘The Ashirwad Scheme’. This laudable endeavor aims to offer financial assistance to families belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Backward Classes to get their daughters married with dignity and no compromise. Under this scheme, one-time financial aid of ₹51,000 is given to eligible families, which covers various expenses including venue, food, clothing, and other costs associated with the marriage ceremonies.

Matru Vandana Yojana scheme

Another key initiative of the Punjab government is the ‘Matru Vandana Yojana Scheme,’ which provides financial backing to eligible pregnant women and lactating mothers to support their nutritional and health requirements. This encourages families to welcome baby girls and reduce the selection of gender. On the birth of a second child, if it is a girl ₹6000 is granted. It aims to improve the diminishing sex ratio at birth of girls in Punjab. The primary objective of this scheme is to offer compensation to women to enhance the health of women and girls before and after childbirth.

Dhi Anmulli Daat

‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ is a unique approach initiated in the district of Faridkot by the state government to challenge patriarchal conventions by organizing the customary ‘Shreenh Rasam’ for girls. Historically reserved for boys, this initiative celebrates the birth of girls by tying neem or shreenh tree leaves at the main entrance of the house and preserving the infant’s footprints as treasured mementos. Union Minister Annapurna Devi praised this one of its kind endeavor. And that is not all, sweets are distributed, traditional folk dance gidda is performed and grooming kits are also given to girls, while laminated imprints of their baby girls’ footprints are gifted to the new parents.

Mayi Bhago Vidhya Scheme

Introduced in 2011 by the Punjab government this scheme aims at promoting girls to complete their education. Bicycles are provided free cost to the girl students from class IX to XII enrolled in government schools. It enables girls to conveniently travel to school with bicycles and reduces the dropout rate among female students.

Apart from these initiatives, the state government has also arranged for free driving classes for girls in Hoshiarpur to boost self-confidence and promote self-reliance among girls. Up till now, 120 girls have undergone this training. Under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, the state government is making continuous efforts to change societal attitudes and behavior towards girls, with the goal of eliminating discrimination against them. These efforts are breaking gender stereotypes and promoting economic independence among women. Punjab government urges society to actively participate in such initiatives to achieve gender balance.

In a nutshell

The girl child is special; she is precious she is more than a cook and a cleaner. For a long time, she was denied her right to live, get an education, and lead a dignified life. Social shackles have held her tight for ages. The past is behind us, but we have the present and future with us to carve the best world for our children, irrespective of gender. There is a glimmer of promise as more efforts are made to support and uplift them. Encourage her to pursue her dreams to fulfill her aspirations.

I can be a sister, daughter and maybe a wonder
But never a blunder
-RJ Richuzz