Although India has come up with a commendable progress towards gender equality, the girl child still faces many challenges. Social, economic and cultural barriers allow Girls to be denied the same opportunities as boys, reinforces cycle of inequality and reduces girls potential.
From education to societal pressures, systemic change is so important and we need to do this work together. We have talked about five major problems around girls in India and how it’s important to start solving these problems so that every girl child can have a better future.
1. Limited Access to Education
A major issue in India is girls’ education, especially in rural areas where girls are unable to attend schools due to poverty, cultural norms and lack of infrastructure. Although primary enrollment rates have increased, the dropout rates for girls continue to be disproportionately high.
Child marriage, household responsibilities, lack of safe commuting options are some of the factors taking their toll. Because of the limitation of finances, many families prefer to educate boys instead of girls, which in turn widens the gap. As education empowers girls to rise above the confines of cycles of poverty and take full control of their talents.
The Way Forward
Education of girl child in India must be focused on creating a safe learning environment, providing financial incentives like scholarships and raising awareness regarding the girl child education. Initiatives, like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are good programs but require continuous effort on the part of the community.
2. Child Marriage
In India, one of the major problems of the girl child is child marriage. Although prohibited by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 the practice continues in many parts of the country but particularly in rural and impoverished areas.
Early marriage denies girls the right to exercise education deprives them from early pregnancies and makes them vulnerable to domestic violence. It only keeps up the cycle of poverty and denies them to make a contribution in society in all the possible ways.
The Way Forward
For the successful combat of child marriage, emphasis should be on enforcement of the law, community education and empowerment of girls through education and vocational training. This practice is normalized and deep-seated in people’s cultural beliefs, which is why campaigns educated on social awareness have to be put into play.
3. Sexual Harassment, Gender Discrimination and Bias
Legal protections and a push to promote gender equality are in place, yet the girl child continues to be discriminated against in many parts of Indian society. Many girls are raised to be neglected, have unequal access to healthcare and have fewer opportunities than boys from birth.
In turn, such a bias is often shown in decisions relating to education, nutrition and career choices. They often discourage girls from pursuing higher education or as professionals and believe that the girls’ roles are only included in household work.
The Way Forward
Gender-sensitive education and community awareness are needed to fight against stereotypes and to build a more inclusive society. To change the attitudes of society it is necessary to stress that education and employment are granted to girls on equal grounds.
4. Lack of Safety and Security
Girls in India are still not safe, both in and out of their homes. The incidents of sexual harassment, abuse, and violence against women are so alarmingly high that they will make any woman in South Sudan live in fear and reduce her freedom of movement.
Such lack of security has a profound impact on girls’ education and subsequently on the opportunities that such a girl would be able to enjoy, as the girl’s mobility is severely restricted by the family for fear of her safety. In rural areas, girls are particularly vulnerable to the risk of travelling long distances to school or work.
The Way Forward
Getting the law to protect women and girls better, getting policing better, and getting gender sensitivity among police into police agencies is crucial to ensuring safety. Furthermore, girls need safe spaces in which to grow and thrive, and communities should work together to create such spaces.
5. Poverty and Economic Constraints
However, the girl child still faces a huge hurdle in the form of poverty in India. Boys receive more attention, in terms of finances, for education, healthcare and other necessities, by families with limited resources. When they come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, girls are more likely to drop out of school and use their time on household income generation or roles such as caregivers.
It means that girls are unable to attain the skills and knowledge to better their future prospects. Investing in girls’ education is one of our moral imperatives—it is also an economic imperative that leads to economic growth and development for entire communities and nations.
The Way Forward
Targeted interventions like scholarships, free education and skill-building programs for girls can help the playing field level. Government and non-government organizations must collaborate to make sure that no girl is deprived of opportunities because of financial reasons.
Conclusion
The plight of the girl child in India is complicated by socio-economic and cultural issues. These complications needs to be treated with a multi-faceted approach. Everything from promoting girls’ education in India to combating child marriage and making sure the girls are safe, all help in making a space where they can grow. One of the greatest tools towards breaking barriers and for societal progress is educating a girl child.
However, we discuss these challenges as well as an approach to equally provide the opportunity so that girls can realise their full potential and help create an equal and prosperous future. With joint efforts, the path ahead may be tough, however, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of Indian girls, firmly hoping, achieving and inspiring them.
