International Day of the Girl Child

Every year, The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on October 11 globally. The purpose of observing this day is to highlight the rights and challenges girls face worldwide. It is also an occasion to reflect on the progress made and the path that lies ahead for the girls all across the globe. International Day of the Girl Child is not just about acknowledging the challenges, but also about celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of every girl child. Jammu and Kashmir, like many parts of the world, has its share of challenges when it comes to gender equality. Traditional patriarchal norms, limited access to education, and many social customs have often left the girl child in the shadow.  However, the past few years have seen remarkable progress. Initiatives like the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (Save the Daughter, Teach the Daughter) campaign have made significant strides in promoting the value of the girl child and the importance of her education. We have seen a rise in female literacy rates, an increase in girls’ enrollment in schools, and a decrease in child marriages.  Over the years, many government schemes and initiatives have been instrumental in this change, running various programs to empower girls, from offering scholarships to creating safe spaces for girls to learn and grow. These efforts have started to bear fruit, with more girls pursuing higher education and careers, thus breaking the cycle of gender-based discrimination and societal limitations. While we celebrate these achievements, we cannot afford to become complacent. There is still a long way to go. Many girls in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, as many girls have been forced out of school and into domestic roles. As we observe International Day of the Girl Child, let it serve as a reminder of the commitment we must make every day to champion the rights of the girl child. Government must continue to advocate for stronger policies that promote gender equality, invest in resources to improve girls’ access to quality education and healthcare, and create a societal shift in mindset to value and empower the girl child. The progress of a society is measured by the opportunities it offers its most vulnerable members. The need of the hour is to ensure that every girl in Jammu and Kashmir, and indeed all over the world, is given the chance to shine, to learn, to grow, and to become the best version of herself, carrying with them the promise of a brighter future.