Celebrating National Girl Child Day

On a brisk Saturday morning, a sea of women, young and old, set out on the streets raising slogans highlighting the issues faced by the girl child in the society. The rally, organised by the Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), a non-government and non-profit social work organisation that works towards women and child development, in association with Biker Babez, was held to mark the National Girl Child Day, that is observed every year on January 23. 

Burning issues that include the declining girls sex ratio, violence against the girl child and quality education for all girl children were addressed at the event. Speaking on the occasion Dr P Kuganantham, Consultant, SIMS Hospital, Former City Health Officer, Chennai Corporation, who flagged off the rally, said the incidences of sexual harassments were increasing. “Educating children in school about the ethics of working and collaborating with women will help reduce sexual harassments in work places.” A.J.Hariharan, Secretary, ICWO said parents need to be aware of all the possible dangers their child could be exposed to. 

“The safety and well-being of the child should be the priority of every parent, and they must hold the awareness to identify and protect their child if any situation must arise. Another issue is the continued practice of female infanticide. We as a society must take steps to keep such practices in check and provide every girl child an opportunity.”