Today, a photography and poster-making competition were organised by the State Family Welfare Bureau, (Directorate of Health Services), Government of Goa. This was to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. The theme being ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Save the Girl Child-Educate the Girl Child’.
This year’s International Day of the Girl (IDG) on October 11 marks the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.(UN)
The theme for this year is ‘The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030’.
In her address, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha stressed upon the need for change in the attitude of society and family towards the girl child. In her message on the occasion of ‘International Girl Child Day’, the Governor laid emphasis on ‘Save and Educate the Girl Child’. “Education is one of the strongest weapons we have against gender inequality. Women need to get higher and quality education. They should be empowered so that they can enjoy the fruits of equal opportunities,” she said.
In Goa, the girl child is treated with dignity. Statistics show that girls do better in education than boys. Girls are the backbone of the home and tend to take responsibility for the entire family. Though there is a tendency of every Christian couple to want a boy as their first child, yet the desire for girls is no less. Many families prefer girls as they are a boon to every home and a mother’s best friend. In fact, any celebrations in Goan homes necessitates their presence.
In keeping with the theme of ‘Save and Educate the girl child’, the Supreme Court today passed a landmark order criminalising sex with a minor girl (wife). The order stated that sex with a minor girl (below the age of 18), if she complained, would be considered as rape.
Let’s come together to celebrate the Girl Child. Let’s vow to treat our girls fairly, with dignity and equality – Girls are a boon to society, let’s empower them, not abuse them!
